Virginia Forwood Lawrence

Virginia Forwood Lawrence went to be with her Heavenly Father on November 1, 2013 at the age of 94 years. She was born to the late D. F. and Elizabeth Forwood on January 12, 1919 in Taylor, Texas. Virginia was very proud of her heritage and early Texas roots. Her great-grandfather, Captain James Shaw, came from Virginia as a surveyor with Sam Houston. He fought in the battle of San Jacinto and was a member of the first Texas legislature.

She attended Southwestern University and then the University of Texas. With only a semester needed to graduate with a journalism degree, she moved home to care for her nieces due to the loss of her sister, Elizabeth. Virginia was married to her high school sweetheart, Lee R. Lawrence, for 67 years until his death in 2007.

For many years, she served on the board of directors for the Forwood family company, Taylor Bedding Manufacturing. After receiving a deer rifle for her 25th wedding anniversary, she began to hunt with the "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" attitude and quickly became a sure shot. It was always a sad week for Lee when she brought home the larger buck.

Virginia devoted her life to her family and made sure that everyone was cared for. She was a wonderful hostess and known for her pecan pies. Seldom was she without a cat or a book. Even though she was a Tri Delta at the University of Texas, her son converted her to an Aggie fan watching all the football games. She loved to travel and saw most of the world, but her favorite destination was Las Vegas.

Virginia was predeceased by her husband, Lee R. Lawrence, and sons, Lee Lawrence, Jr. and Jim Lawrence.

She will be dearly missed by her son, David Lawrence and wife Deandra of Taylor, daughter, Elizabeth Gillies and husband Colin of Austin; grandchildren, Melissa Lawrence, Brian Lawrence and wife Erica, Jack Gillies, Laura Gillies and Ella Gillies; great-grandchildren, Louis and Isabelle, and dear family friend, Jo Ann Jensen.

A special thank you to her caregivers and friends, Augustina Garcia and Dee Simms, and to all staff members of the SPJST Assisted Living and Senior Living of Taylor.

A family graveside service will be held at Taylor City Cemetery. Friends are cordially invited to a reception at the Pecan Manor House, 819 Hackberry Street in Taylor on Friday, November 8 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas, 1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Austin, Texas 78723.