Jermaine Duval Lawrence, affectionately known as “Chico” by many who knew and loved him, peacefully passed away on October 10, 2021, in Austin, TX. He was born in Middletown, CT, November 25, 1974, to Ervin and MaryAnn (Butts) Lawrence.
He was a graduate of Middletown High School Class of 1992 graduating with High Honors. He was a member of the National Honor Society, DECA, attended and taught at Wesleyan University’s Upward Bound program, while also volunteering at a local soup kitchen.
Jermaine was a true lover of sports. He played baseball during his youth, and also ran indoor and outdoor track and played basketball while in high school. In April 1992, he was inducted into the National Football Hall of Fame. Jermaine’s passion was playing football and he wore his favorite number “21” from Midget Football through College at Wesleyan University.
He was an outstanding honor student-athlete and was chosen as a football team captain at Woodrow Wilson Jr. High and Middletown High School. He was a graduate of Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT in 1996, earning a B.S. Degree in Economics.
Jermaine began his employment career at Chubbs Insurance in Simsbury, CT before relocating to Charlotte, NC in 2006. Afterward, a new job opportunity became available as an Analyst Consultant and he relocated to Austin, TX.
Jermaine was a member of the Black Men United Community Outreach in Austin where their focus was on community service, strengthening the Black Community, mentoring youth, and providing other resources. During his leisure time he loved to “DJ”, play PlayStation, watch football all day on Sunday, enjoyed dining out, and spending time with family.
Jermaine professed and nurtured his faith in Jesus Christ early in his life as a member of Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church where he faithfully attended Sunday School and Christian Education activities.
Along with his parents, Jermaine leaves to cherish his memory; a brother Kareem Belin and a sister, Beverly T. Lawrence both of Middletown, CT; two children, a son Aamir J. Lawrence, and a daughter Nyalah A. Lawrence both of Charlotte, NC; two grandchildren; a grandson, Aamir J. Lawrence II. and a granddaughter, Madison N. Lawrence both of Columbia SC; his former spouse, Carol Shumate Lawrence of Charlotte, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He also leaves four special friends, Terri Ray of Austin, TX, Terese Jones Bookard of Charlotte, NC, Corey Jackson of Palm Coast, FL and Reuben Wilson of Parkland, FL.
He was pre-deceased by a brother Terrance Sessoms and grandmother, Gladys F. Butts.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 6th at 11:00 am at Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown where masks are required. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. The service will be live streamed through Doolittle Funeral Home facebook page.
Family and friends may call on Saturday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jermaine’s memory may be made to Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church, 440 West Street, Middletown, CT 06457. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.
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