Linda Jean Lawrence, a dedicated educator and the heart of her family, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the age of 80.
Born in Topeka to Vernon and Wilma Williams, Linda’s life was defined by her passion for helping others and her unwavering devotion to those she loved. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1964 and began her education that fall at the University of Kansas, earning her degree in education in 1968. While at KU, she met the love of her life, Bret Lawrence. They married in November 1968 and moved to Iola, to begin their life together.
Linda’s first job was teaching high school English in Humboldt. Many of her earliest students stayed in touch with her throughout her life — a testament to the lasting impact she had even in those early years. She later earned a Master’s Degree from Emporia State University, which allowed her to pursue another passion: counseling and supporting students through life’s challenges. She spent most of her career as a school psychologist in the DeSoto and Blue Valley School Districts, dedicating more than 30 years to working with families and shaping young lives. She was known for her wit and her firm-but-fair approach.
While her professional impact was far-reaching, Linda’s greatest joy was found at home. She shared 57 beautiful years of marriage with her husband and best friend, Bret Lawrence. Together, they built a life rooted in laughter, mutual respect, and a deep love of family. She was the proud and loving mother of four children: Bryan, Brooke, Allison, and John. She raised them with the same values she brought to her work — kindness, curiosity, and a commitment to caring for others.
Linda was also a devoted friend, forming deep and lasting connections throughout her life. She had a gift for making people feel seen, valued, and welcomed. From lifelong friendships to the many relationships she built in her final chapter at Welstone Senior Living, she created community wherever she went.
After her own cancer diagnosis in 1992, Linda became a source of strength and guidance for others facing similar journeys. She attended Camp Bluebird early in her diagnosis and later volunteered with Camp Hope, supporting children with cancer. She was often the person people turned to for advice, encouragement, and understanding, offering not only practical support but also compassion and hope.
In her retirement, Linda enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, and volunteering with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), advocating for children in foster care. But her favorite role was being a grandmother to her 12 grandchildren — Alexandria, Bret, Mackenzie, Stella, Madison, Jack, Luke, Max, Mia Kate, Elise, Abby and Anna. There is no way to count the number of school events, piano recitals, soccer games, band concerts, and track meets she attended. Her presence was constant, her support unwavering.
Her legacy lives on in the thousands of students she supported, the many people she guided through difficult seasons, and the family and friends who will forever carry her warmth and strength with them.
She is survived by her husband, Bret Lawrence; son Bryan (Carol) Lawrence; daughter Brooke Shawver; daughter Allison (Mike) Hughes; and son John (Erin) Lawrence, along with her 12 beloved grandchildren.
A celebration of Linda’s life will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16, at Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village. The event will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to CASA (https://www.casajwc.org/) or a charity of your choice that supports children or families in need, honoring her lifelong commitment to helping others.
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