Martha L. Mitchell, 85

Martha S. Lawrence Mitchell, age 85, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026. A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, January 24, at 11 a.m. at St. Philip Baptist Church with Rev. James Love officiating.

Martha was born August 4, 1940, in Emanuel County, to the late Richard Arthur Lawrence, Sr. and Leola Palmer Lawrence. She was Salutatorian of the Emanuel County High School Class of 1959, then attended Morris Brown College where she earned an associate’s degree. Martha later attended cosmetology school and became a master cosmetologist and owned Janae’s Hari Studio in Wadley for many years. She was also a wedding coordinator, seamstress, event planner, upholsterer and baker. Martha served on the Jefferson County School Board then relocated to Hancock County where she was the director of Hancock County Alternative School. After retirement, Martha served as head chef and general manager of her family-owned restaurant, Lawrence Village, in Summertown. Mrs. Mitchell is preceded in death by her parents; twin sister, Mary Lawrence; twin brothers; and four other siblings.

Mrs. Lawrence leaves her precious memories with her son, Vincent Lawhorn (Makeba); daughter, Hope Galloway (Todd); three grandsons; brothers and sisters; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mosley’s Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.