Lawrence Jopson
November 4, 1993 - November 23, 2024
Lawrence Jopson, age 31, of Georgetown, Delaware, went to be free on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024. He was born on November 4, 1993 in Newark, Delaware. Though 31 years may not seem like a long life for some, it was certainly longer than expected for him.
Lawrence lived at home until he was 10, cared for by his family as well as several home health nurses. He then stayed at a few facilitative group homes with other children like him. Two notable facilities are Exceptional Care for Children in Newark, Delaware, and Stockley Center in Georgetown, Delaware. The family is grateful for the nurses and facilities that provided outstanding care and love toward Lawrence, ensuring he stayed comfortable and healthy throughout his life.
Lawrence has always been known for his expressive doe-eyes, his wide contagious smile, and his laugh. He grew up with a fondness for Elmo, listening to music, and being outside in the shade to feel the breeze, however he found the most joy in being around people and making them smile. He brought so much joy to everyone he came into contact with; it was impossible to be in a bad mood around him. Despite all of his life’s challenges, he was always the happiest person in the room, and he made sure to share that with everyone. He adored his family and loved when they would come to visit him to read him books, play games, and do arts & crafts.
He is survived by his mother, Karen (née Shafer) Jopson; his siblings, Adam Gerri (38) & his wife, Emily, Ryan Beattie (35), Denise (née Beattie) White (34) & her husband, Bruce, Avery Lennox (29); his nephew, Noah Beattie (11) and his niece, Baby White (expected January 2025); his father, Michael Jopson; and his grandparents, Robert & Dorothy Shafer. Lawrence was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Gurnal & Margaret (née Knight) Jopson; and his maternal grandmother, Mary Patricia (née Cree) Shafer.
Lawrence, a beacon of happiness and light, will forever reside in our hearts. As we grapple with the loss of his physical presence, we find solace in knowing that his soul has been freed from his broken body. He is now free to walk, run, play, eat, talk, and laugh to his heart’s content.
A funeral service for family and friends will begin at 1 pm on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 214 Clinton Street, Delaware City, DE. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Special Olympics, an organization the family feels strongly about, by mail: Special Olympics, Attn: Web Gifts, 2600 Virginia Ave NW, 11th Floor, Washington, DC 20037 or online by clicking here.
Pam Shafer Wycliff
I know you all feel you were blessed to have Lawrence in your lives and that is true. However, Lawrence was so lucky and blessed to have you all in his life. Your love, presence and caring shown to him all the time, all these years was amazing! Lawrence did always have a big smile and easy laugh. And you are right…he can now fly!!!
Linda Pelly
I wish I could have known about his passing sooner so I could have been there to pay my respects. I was one of the nurses from ECC who had the privilege of caring for Lawrence with his big smile and love for music. I’m so sorry for your loss and I pray you find comfort in knowing he is enjoying his life right now to the fullest.