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Celestine Dolly Lawrie

  • November 25, 1933 - November 3, 2009
  • Paterson, New Jersey
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Celestine Lawrie

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Memories & Candles

“Some of our family's fondest memories involve growing up with the Lawries on Ellison Street in Paterson. Not a day goes by when one of us doesn't...Read More » ”
1 of 8 | Posted by: Mrs. Kline and family - Bear, DE

“This is a bit late, but I am sorry to hear of the passing of such a great lady.. My condolences goes out to the entire family.. Allan Mathurin ...Read More » ”
2 of 8 | Posted by: Allan Mathurin - Kissimmee, FL

“Carole, Judy and Family, So sorry to hear about the passing of your mother, keep your hands in God's hand and know that he will bring you through. ...Read More » ”
3 of 8 | Posted by: Priscilla - Paterson, NJ

“my condolenences to Charlene & the entire family & loved ones during this time of loss. may you find comfort in knowing that the lord will see you...Read More » ”
4 of 8 | Posted by: joyce newton - tarboro, NC

“my condolenences to Charlene & the entire family & loved ones during this time of loss. may you find comfort in knowing that the lord will see you...Read More » ”
5 of 8 | Posted by: joyce newton - tarboro, NC

“Auntie and Family: We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother. She was a very special lady, who will be missed. Our prayers are with...Read More » ”
6 of 8 | Posted by: Shelton & Wanda Cleaves - NJ

“Our deepest condolences go out to Charlene, Melissa, Rachael, Sandra, Jeffrey and all of those mourning the loss of such a wonderful lady. We will...Read More » ”
7 of 8 | Posted by: Sean & Yesenia Witherspoon - FL

“god bless always thinking of you ”
8 of 8 | Posted by: elizabeth,lee and stanley cleaves - TN


Celestine V. Lawrie was born November 25, 1933 in Georgetown Guyana to the late Maude Bascom and Frederick Payne. She had three brothers, Carlton, Godfrey and Rudolph Payne, and three sisters, Lorna Payne, May Payne and Winifred Raymond, all of whom are deceased. In 1964 Celestine immigrated to the United States and gained her citizenship in 1968. Celestine retired to Florida in 1998 after working many years at Preakness Hospital in Paterson, New Jersey. She enjoyed traveling, crocheting and being around family and friends. She was dedicated to her family and served as a surrogate mom to many of her children's friends. Dolly, as she was affectionately known, accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. She was a member of Washington Shores Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida. She departed this life on November 3, 2009 while visiting a daughter in Paterson, New Jersey. Celestine was predeceased by two daughters, Diane Baptiste (Lester) of Paterson, New Jersey and Jacqueline Lawrie of Wayne, New Jersey. She is survived by: six daughters, Carol A. Campbell (Este) of Delran, New Jersey, Charlene Newton (Jeffrey) of Oakland, Florida, Judith A. Lawrie of Paterson, New Jersey, Melissa Lawrie (Sean) of Ocoee, Florida, Rachael Lawrie of Ocoee, Florida and Sandra Pontoon (Preston) of Paterson, New Jersey; a former husband, Charles Lawrie of Ocoee, Florida; grandmother of Daniel T. Lawrie. Also survived by fourteen grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.