Mary Helen Olinger Lawrence

Mary “Helen” Olinger Lawrence passed peacefully from this world and went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 26, 2023. Heaven has received a most precious angel. Helen was surrounded by a band of angels as the Lord reached down and took her home. Helen found her greatest happiness in her family. She shared 64 wonderful years with her husband and closest companion, Allen Lee Lawrence, who passed away on November 8, 2016. She was also a loving mother to Ronnie Lawrence and his wife Cindy, as well as Nancy Lawrence Cornelio and her husband Chuck. Her heart swelled with pride for her grandchildren Jake Wood and Erika Sloan, along with their respective spouses Brandi Wood and Blake Sloan. Among the sources of her joy were also her great- grandchildren, Breanna and Lawrence Wood. Helen's family circle included her cherished sisters, Jean Justice and Evelyn Johnson, while her brother Joe Olinger had previously passed away. Helen attended Moncure High School where she was named most athletic woman and biggest flirt her senior year. She then attended Hardbarger Business College. Helen was the customer service manager at Almay Cosmetics for nearly two decades. She and Allen decided life was short, so she retired and they moved to the coast where they lived for 10 years. They moved back home to Apex when she became a “Granny.” After moving back they bought an RV and traveled the country over the years, often taking Jake and Erika with them on their adventures. The true richness of her life was evident in the time, energy, and love that she invested in her family, friends, and Apex community. She was the best Granny to Jake, Erika, Breanna and Lawrence. Their memory banks are overflowing and will last them a lifetime. She cared deeply about her friends and neighbors. She and Allen were always wanting to help and care for others rather than others helping them. Helen was civic minded, working the voting polls, and volunteering at the Mebopane Mission House for nearly 20 years (she was the oldest volunteer there). She volunteered and participated with the Apex Golden Agers group for many years. Helen was faithful to her church and her church family, attending Apex Baptist Church for over 60 years. Her passion for fun was bingo. She played at least once a week and she actually won $50 shortly before she passed. Helen was a phenomenal cook. She loved to cook and have family meals. She’s “famous” in the Apex community for her annual Christmas sugar cookies. Everyone always looked forward to receiving their tin of cookies We have all learned about true love and faith from Helen. Faithful to herself, her family, her friends, her church and above all to her Lord and Savior. All those whose lives she touched will remain eternally blessed. A Commemoration of Life Ceremony will take place at 11 am on Wednesday within Apex Baptist Church, located at 110 S. Salem St. in Apex. Following the service, there will be an opportunity for all to come together in fellowship, sharing stories and memories as we honor a life well-lived and lunch will be provided. The family request in lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to the Mabopane Foundation, 3913 Hwy 64W, Apex, NC 27523.

Mary Helen Olinger Lawrence

March 2, 1932 - August 26, 2023