Martha Marie 'Mart' Lawrence

Danville - Martha Marie (Mart) Lawrence, 87, of Danville passed away on January 28, 2018. Martha was born on June 14, 1930 in Danville to Foster and Marie (Ross) Baity. Martha married her high school sweetheart, W. Eugene (Gene) Lawrence on July 30, 1950 and he preceded her in death on July 3, 1988. Martha will be deeply missed by her three daughters, Sue (Norm) Walla, Carol Stamper, and Gail (Nick) Alonzo all of Danville, IL. One brother, Victor Baity of Manito, IL, eight grandchildren, Rene', Dana, Lisa, Brian, Rob, Megan, Annie and Jared, 11 great-grandchildren, Sydney, Hannah, Emma, Wyatt, Owen, Kara, Grace, Jeremiah, Liam, Gavin, and Autumn as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins. Martha is preceded in death by her husband, Gene, her parents, her stepmother, Ruth (Pollock) Baity, her in-laws, Mildred and Wilbur Lawrence, one sister, Mary Helen (Curly) Brown, one sister-in-law, Gerry Lawrence, one great-grandson, Thomas Conklin and one great-granddaughter, Sarah Bourdeau. Throughout the years Martha had been employed by the Children's Home of Danville, Producers Dairy and provided child care. She had been a member of the Danville United Church of Christ. Mart and Gene enjoyed many years of camping, fishing, dancing and socializing with their many dear friends. She thoroughly enjoyed visiting with her neighbors. She was well-known for her "green thumb" and loved her house plants and flower gardens. Mart dearly loved all her family and was most happy during family gatherings. Per her wishes, she will be cremated with no public visitation. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion Street, Danville, IL is assisting the family with arrangements. Doug Knapp will officiate a private family graveside service at a later date. Inurnment will be in Sunset Memorial Park. Please join Martha's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.