Mrs. Roxie Jane Sutton Lawrence went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, October 31, 2021, at the age of 98. Roxie lived all her 98 years in the best possible way, serving God and helping others. She was a born leader who seemingly always knew the right things to do and say. Lovingly charismatic, Roxie drew people to herself and made them “hers”, caring for each as a special part of her family. Because of her determination and faithfulness, God worked through her to bless the lives around her.

Roxie was born October 9, 1923, in Sutton, Arkansas, to Tena and Claud Sutton. She was the oldest of four children and graduated from Hope High School in Hope, Arkansas. In March of 1949, Roxie married Ray Lawrence, her husband of 58 years. After briefly living in Atlanta, Texas, and Nashville, Arkansas, Roxie and Ray returned to Hope. Roxie devoted her life to serving God, the community, and her beloved First Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School, served on committees, and planned church events, including the church’s 125th anniversary celebration in 2018. Even when she was not physically in church, she was planning…

Roxie was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Lawrence; her parents; sisters Sue Sutton Hargis (Bernie) and Claud Ann Sutton Freeman; brother William H. “Buddy” Sutton (Peggy); and nephew William Richard Sutton. Surviving her are brother-in-law Bill Freeman; nephews Bernie Hargis III (Barbara), Wesley H. Sutton, and Larry Brown; nieces Becky Sutton Kirkpatrick (Dan), Roxanne Hargis Watkins (Dennis), Jennie Freeman Sexton (Bob), and Sarah C. Freeman; and a host of great- and great-great- nieces and nephews. Roxie is additionally survived by her dear friend Erma Hopson whose caretaking allowed Roxie to live out her final days exactly where she wanted to be, at her home in Hope.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 315 S. Main Street, Hope, Arkansas 71801.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 9:00 am at Memory Gardens in Hope. A celebration of life will follow at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church, Hope, with Revs. Daniel Bramlett, Stan Parris, and Rusty Hart officiating, under the direction of Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home.