Valerie J. Lawrence

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”- Revelation 21:4

The Honorable Valerie Deniece James Lawrence, affectionately known as “Cheeta” and “Chee Chee,” was born on August 19, 1962, in Eutawville, South Carolina. She was the beloved daughter of the late Sam D. James and the late Janie White James.

 Judge Lawrence received her early education at St. James Elementary School in Eutawville and graduated from Holly Hill High School in 1980. She continued her studies at South Carolina State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in 1984. In 1986, she received a Master’s Degree in Human Resources from the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Dedicated to the field of education, Valerie served as an Elementary Teacher and Literacy Coach in Orangeburg Consolidated School District Three for 38 years.

In September 2020, she proudly began her service as a Magistrate Judge for Orangeburg County. She also gave of her time and talents to her community through her work as Secretary of the Concerned Citizens of District 66 for many years. A lifelong and faithful member of Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, Valerie’s love for music and ministry shone brightly. Over the years, she served joyfully with the Junior Choir, the Voices of Springhill, and most recently, the Praise and Worship Ministry. Singing was truly her pride and joy.

 In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Joe and Earl Ricks; sisters, Rebecca A. Wright, Gracie M. James, Janie R. Shaw and four infant siblings.

Valerie leaves to cherish her precious memory: her loving husband, Michael Lawrence of the home; son, Michael Savaughn Lawrence (Briana Wilson – future daughter-in-law) of Charlotte, NC; and daughter, Andrea Janay Lawrence of Greenville, SC. She is also survived by her brother, Sam E. James of Orangeburg, SC; sisters, Rachel Broughton of Davenport, FL; Fannie (Hezekiah) Johnson and Gloria J. Middleton, both of Eutawville, SC; Deborah (William) Washington of New York, NY; Queen Flowers of Blythewood, SC; and Sharon L. James of Elgin, SC.

Her memory will also live on through her mother in law, Pernell "Mudd" Lawrence, of St. Matthews, SC; sisters-in-law, Avis (Preston) Gathers of Columbus, GA; Shirley Edmond of Charlotte, NC; and Rose Lawrence of Phoenix City, AL; brothers-in-law, Marshall Caldwell of Charleston, SC; Renaldo (Janice) Lawrence of the United Kingdom; Thomas (Shirley) Haigler of St. Matthews, SC; Thomas L. Brunson of Columbia, SC; and David Lawrence of the Dominican Republic; aunts, Lucille Ricks of Eutawville, SC, Lula White, of Vance,SC and Mary L. Warner of Vance, SC; her godchildren, Dameon Akeem Bryant, Chase Jenkins, Chloe Evans, Amiyah Morton, Prince and Princess Sumpter; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Judge Valerie Deniece James Lawrence will be remembered as a woman of grace, faith, service, and song — one who touched countless lives through her dedication to education, justice, and love for others.

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