Nancy Lawrence

Nancy N. Lawrence, nee Saunders, age 84, Belleville, Ill., passed away Monday evening, March 16, 2026 at her home, surrounded by her family.

Nancy was born September 29, 1941 in Huntington, W. Va., to Henry and Pauline, nee Morrison, Saunders. Nancy attended Asbury University in Wilmore, Ky., where she majored in Music Education. While at Asbury, Nancy was part of the travelling Singing Ambassadors, where she formed life-long friendships, developed her love of music, and met her future husband. She later earned her RN degree from Belleville Area College. She worked as a Labor and Delivery Nurse in Effingham, Belleville Memorial Hospital and Missouri Baptist Hospital. As a talented musician, she sang with Masterworks Chorale and St. Louis Symphony Chorus. For many years, she accompanied worship services on piano and organ and served as Choir Director at various churches throughout the metro-east and southern Illinois. In addition to her musical roles at church, Nancy was an ever-present support as a wife to Rev. W. Scott Lawrence, III, who passed away in 1995.

After his passing, Nancy felt called to serve as a missionary in Africa. Meanwhile, one of her best friends from college had begun a mission-based school in Kenya. Nancy devoted her time as a nurse and music teacher with Village Project Africa, where she dedicated many happy years of serving and educating the people and the community of Makutano, Kenya.

As a long-time member and Past President of PEO Chapter CT, Nancy formed many lasting friendships with other women who supported similar causes close to Nancy’s heart. She was preceded in death by her husband Rev. W. Scott Lawrence, III.; siblings David Saunders and Elizabeth Hare, and her parents. She is survived by her daughters Charis (Dan) Gregory, Sarah (Lance) Lancaster; grandchildren Angel (Shane) Lamberson, Kayla Baumgartner, Eli Baumgartner, Grace Baumgartner, Luke Lancaster, and Charlie Lancaster; and great-grandson Theo Baumgartner; siblings Joe Saunders, Sue Saunders, Rebecca Hill, Sarah (Alan) Pettigrew, Carol (James) McCartney, Mark (Angie) Saunders, and Jim (Melanie) Saunders; brother-in-law Spencer (Cheri) Lawrence & his children Ben and Susan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers and other gifts, memorial donations are kindly suggested to causes that were special to Nancy: Village Project Africa (www.villageprojectafrica.org) or Asbury University Nursing Program. Online condolences and memories may be shared, and a photo tribute may be viewed at www.wfh-ofallon.com. The Lawrence family is being served by Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon.

Memorial visitation will be held from 9 – 11 am, Friday, March 20, 2026 at Union United Methodist Church, 721 E. Main St., Belleville, Ill., with a Memorial Service to follow at 11 am, with Rev. Spencer Lawrence officiating. Live streaming is available at Union UMC youtube page: http://www.youtube.com/@Kent5122

View this video to learn more about Nancy's passion for Village Project Africa.