Lawrence Roderick Garrison, Sr.

Lawrence Roderick Garrison, affectionately known as Paw Paw Lawrence, was a force of nature who left an indelible mark on the lives of those blessed enough to know him. Born on April 21, 1966, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Lawrence was a beacon of light and love in this world. He was the embodiment of compassion, humility, and resilience, qualities that were evident in every aspect of his life. From his career in law enforcement to his deep commitment to his family, Lawrence's legacy is one of service, love, and unwavering faith.

In his professional life, Lawrence was a dedicated public servant. He spent years serving his community as a firefighter with the New Orleans Fire Department and later as a Campus Police Officer at Dillard University and Tulane University. His work ethic and commitment to public safety made him a respected member of the HBCU Law Enforcement Executive Association, where he served as treasurer, and the River Region Chamber of Commerce, where he held the positions of secretary and Vice-president. He was a silent hero, never seeking accolades or recognition for his work. He simply did what he believed was right, and in doing so, inspired countless others.

Lawrence was a New Orleans native through and through. His passion for his city was evident in his love for the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans. He was a former Pelicans season ticket holder, and he cherished the opportunity to share his love for his city's teams with others.

Most evenings, Lawrence could be found enjoying a police drama with his beloved wife, Darlinta, who he married on April 25, 2015. Their love story was one of true partnership and deep affection. Lawrence often said that his wife's happiness was what mattered most to him. His love for Darlinta and his family was a testament to his kind and compassionate nature.

Lawrence’s business and entrepreneurial spirits came alive when he and his wife founded the Kacen Charles Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization which offered scholarships to male students entering an HBCU and community events for children. In 2021, he and his wife started Kacen’s Kare, a personal care agency where their motto was, “We treat each client as though they are our only client!” As Lawrence’s health began to decline, they both made the tough decision to close the business and focus on his health and each other but remaining grateful for the lives they had been able to touch.

Lawrence's relationship with God was a cornerstone of his life. He developed a deep and abiding faith, often saying, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) His home was filled with the Word of God, thanks to his loving wife, and he became a true man of God. Lawrence loved his church community, particularly his pastor’s mother, Verlina Simmons, and aunt, Irene Gordon, who became his closest church buddies. His faith was an inspiration to those around him, a testament to his resilience and unwavering spirit.

Lawrence is survived by his loving wife, Darlinta, his mother, Carolyn, his son, Lawrence Jr., his sister, Nicole Ario, his brothers-in-law Rodrick Duhe (Trayvonia) and Courtney Baloney (Julie), sister-in-law Valerie Baloney Johnson(Zolton), his bonus children Philip Age,III, Darvelle Age-Charles(Keon), David Cook,Jr. (Leah), and Darielle Cook.

Grandchildren Karter and Karson Garrison; and bonus grandchildren Trinity Age-Perales(Alexis), Cruz and Cori Norah, Jr., Kameron and Kalea Charles, Hartley, Peyton, Eli, Greyson, Paisley and Leia Age, and his beloved granddog Cres who affectionately called him Roo Roo.

He also leaves to cherish his memories his aunts Lois Garrison and Elois Joseph, and a host of other family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents Nathan and Alberta Garrison, stepfather Cleveland Ario, uncles John Royal, Sr. and Nathan K. Garrison, Sr., and bonus grandson Kacen Charles.

He touched the lives of many and his compassionate spirit will be deeply missed.

As we remember Lawrence, we invite you to leave your memories and upload photos of our beloved Paw Paw Lawrence to the memorial page. In this way, we can all share in the joy that Lawrence brought to our lives and keep his memory alive in our hearts.

Lawrence’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Providence Baptist Church #2, 17294 River Rd., Montz, LA; visitation 11AM-1PM followed by the service for 1PM. Private burial. Repast to follow at the V.F.W. Post 3337, 205 W. 5th Street, LaPlace, LA.

SPECIAL THANKS
Pastor Carla Collins Jones and the From My Heart to Yours Family Worship Center Family (LaPlace, LA), Dr. Damian Miguel Epps (Host Pastor) and the Providence Baptist Church #2 Family (Montz, LA), Davita Magnolia Dialysis (Gonzales, LA), Ascension Parish Council on Aging (Transportation Department), and Pinnacle Home Health and Hospice (Baton Rouge, LA).

Final care and professional services entrusted to Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline Hwy., Gramercy, LA 70052.

“When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a TREASURE”