Eleanor Howell Lawrence

Mrs. Eleanor Howell Lawrence, age 78, passed away from heart failure Sunday, February 27, 2011 in Lakeland. Born August 11, 1932 near Dunnellon, FL, Mrs. Lawrence moved to Bartow in 1946. Mrs. Lawrence worked for C.F. Industries for 32 years in Administration and Public Relations. She was a member of the A.R.P. Church of Bartow. Mrs. Lawrence was crowned Miss Bartow in 1950, and remained active in the community for many years. She was a founding member of the Bartow Youth Villa Classic, a Past President of the Florida Children's Home Society, and the Polk County 4H Foundation. She served as a Director for the Bartow Chamber of Commerce, and was the recipient of the Medal of Honor in 1995 from the Bartow Rotary Club. She is survived by a loving family that includes her husband of 60 years, Damon Lawrence of Bartow, her three children; Marian Osborne, Janet Harrison (Wayne), and Damon S. Lawrence (Teri) all of Bartow. She also leaves behind a brother George Howell (Dean) of Hot Springs, Ark., six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 2nd from 5pm to 7pm at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow. Funeral services will follow Thursday, March 3rd at 11:00am at the A.R.P. Church, 205 E. Stanford Street in Bartow.