Lawrence Robertson

A MEMOIR OF DEVOTION AND LOVE

LAWRENCE LEE ROBERTSON

“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Himas you have helped His people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10

Pastor Lawrence Lee Robertson transitioned from this life on Sunday, November 26, 2023 in Norfolk, Va.

Lawrence Lee Robertson, born November 21, 1941, was the second of eight children born to the late Blanche Harris Robertson and Thomas Robertson, Jr. in Isle of Wight County, Va. He was the definition of a “good and faithful servant” from an early age. He was baptized at a young age at First

Gravel Hill Baptist Church in the Rushmere section of Smithfield, Va. Having a passion for music, particularly the bass guitar, Lawrence performed with Smithfield’s Rocking Charmers Band. In his spare time, he took the time to show his sister how to play the instrument. Lawrence was a faithful team member of the Isle of Wight Training School football team in Smithfield, Va. He transitioned from his hometown to serve in active duty for our country in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1963 and in the Army Reserves until 1966.

Lawrence was married to Roselee Shivers, the love of his life, for over 56 years. From this union, they were blessed with three children: Dwayne Robertson, (Lavonne), Chester, S.C., Felecia Robertson, Newport News, Va., and Antonio Robertson, Washington, D.C. In 1971, Lawrence moved the family from Riverview Avenue in Smithfield to Angela Court in Hampton, Va., to have a shorter commute to Williamsburg, Va., to work at BASF. After moving to Hampton, he eventually moved his membership to Antioch Baptist Church, Hampton. On June 20, 1982, he answered God’s calling and was ordained as a minister. At Antioch Lawrence blossomed as a child of God. He served as a youth minister, Sunday School teacher, and spiritual advisor to the Gospel Choir. However, as he worked, God was working in his life, calling him to greater spiritual work and responsibility. God, in His infinite wisdom, had His divine plan to allow this dedicated and faithful BASF servant/employee to be so trusted that they would select him to be the lone and last employee working at the facility after 27 years when the business closed. Eventually, he went to work for Pressure Systems in 1995.

After years of worshipping and spreading the “Good News,” he followed God’s plan for him, and founded Word Mission Church in Hampton. He retired from Pressure Systems in 2015 to devote his time fully to pastoral ministry. At Word Mission, Lawrence saved many souls and brought saints close to God through his teaching, leadership and wisdom. Under his leadership, Pastor Robertson was a marriage counselor, headed various outreach ministries by going door-to-door, sometimes introducing God’s word to all parts of Newport News and Hampton. His team visited hospitals, jails, prisons, nursing homes, food pantries, along with proudly starting the annual Martin Luther King March in the city of Hampton. If anyone was in need, Lawrence gave without hesitation. During Thanksgiving, Word Mission annually donated Thanksgiving baskets, provided financial assistance to any one in need, and during Christmas, distributed monetary Christmas cards to the needy. He performed baptisms at Buckroe Beach and married numerous couples proudly. Not only was Lawrence known for helping the less fortunate, but he also loved fellowshipping with his family and close friends, demonstrating his cooking and baking skills. Thanksgiving will forever be remembered as the last time he had the opportunity to cook and share his skill in the kitchen. These contributions by Pastor Lawrence to improving the spiritual and physical lives of others will never be forgotten.

In addition to his wife and children, Lawrence leaves to cherish: three grandchildren—Ta’nisa Robert-son and Donte Parker, Hampton, and Shiquita Steadman (Darrius), Columbia, S.C.; numerous great-grandchildren—Anthony Powell, Antonio Powell, Karsen Steadman, Shadarrin Steadman, Bryson Lowery, Darian Hickson and Ni’J Steadman; two sisters—Edith Diggs and Gloria Robertson from Smithfield; two brothers—George Robertson (Elaine) and Landus Robertson (Vicky), both of Smithfield; four sisters-in-law—Shirley Robertson, Carol Robertson and Gloria Shivers, all from Smithfield, along with Carol Robertson from Vallejo, Ca.; one uncle, John Harris, Smithfield, and one aunt, Maybelle Harris, Newport News; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, special sons, daughters and friends. God touched Lawrence’s hands and used his feet. He touched Lawrence’s heart, in orderto speak through thee. If He could use anything Lord, Lawrence said He could use him. Lawrence can truly say, “God has smiled on me, He has set me free; God has smiled on me, He’s been good to me.”

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00am on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Shivers Funeral Chapel.  Viewing will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023 from 3-6pm at the chapel.  Please keep the Robertson family in your prayers.