Supercentenarian Profile

Mary Elizabeth Lawrence

Born:

1875-10-28

Jefferson County, Florida

United States

Died:

1985-11-12

Brevard County, Florida

United States

✔ Age Certified by LongeviQuest

Mary Elizabeth Lawrence (née Norton) was an American supercentenarian.

BIOGRAPHY

Mary Elizabeth Lawrence was born in Jefferson County, Florida, USA, on 28 October 1875. She claimed that her grandmother was Native American, while her father, Harry Norton, had been a former slave. Her mother, Diane, was only ten years old when slavery was abolished. As a young girl, she worked on a farm and attended school. Her father owned a farm where they grew cotton and raised animals, including chickens, cows, and dogs.

She met her future husband, Edward C. Lawrence, while they were both attending school. After a time apart, Edward returned to marry her. When the Lawrences moved to Melbourne (Florida) in 1900, he purchased land for $1 an acre. Edward worked for the Florida East Coast Railroad, while she ran a 24-room boarding house.

Mary Elizabeth Lawrence passed away in Brevard County, Florida, on 12 November 1985, at the age of 110 years, 19 days. She was survived by four children, 32 grandchildren, 84 great-grandchildren, and 52 great-great-grandchildren.