Elder Haywood J. Lawyer was born on July 27, 1947 in Victoria, Virginia to the late Eugene Kellyingham and Queen Esther Lawyer Robertson. He entered eternal life (in his own words “the train came for him”) on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at home.

Elder Lawyer attended Luneburg County Public Schools. He accepted Christ at an early age. He married Ms. Vivian Peeples in 1981 and they both joined Grace & Mercy Apostolic Faith Holiness Church in 2002, where he remained a faithful member.

Elder Lawyer had a servant’s heart. He took literally Jesus’ command of “loving your neighbor as yourself.” He spent the majority of his retirement caring for others. His passions were first God and His Word, then his grandchildren and the needy. His weekly duties included “Pop’s Taxi Service” and serving several local food banks.  It gave his family great joy to care for him during his time of illness, especially his great-granddaughter Jaidah (“Doll Baby”). When school ended, she would rush home to take care of Pop!  Elder Lawyer has truly left his handprint on his family and will be greatly missed.

Elder Lawyer was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Kellyingham; his grandmother, Ella Lawyer; his siblings, Susan Robertson, William Robertson and Ronnie Robertson, Sr., Haywood J. Robertson; and one son, James Leroy Peeples, Jr. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 36 years, Evangelist Vivian Lawyer; mother, Queen Esther Lawyer Robertson; two sons, Jermaine Robertson (Cindy), and Willard Peeples; and one devoted step-daughter, Maria Peeples, each of Richmond, Virginia and Kim D. Brandon-Hines; eight grandchildren, Michael Peyton, Shuan Robertson, Brandon Robertson, Soraya Watkins, Lamonte Smith, Vaheem (Boonie) Peeples, Jennifer Peeples, and James Leroy Peeples, III (Jahnnae); twelve great-grandchildren, Aniyah Heights, Ta’Miyah Robertson, Kay’Ceon Robertson, Sha’Miyah Robertson, Jaidah Peeples, Raven Peeples, Fleetwood Moore, III, Josh Kim, Mark Lightfoot, Lucian Tuppince, Laila Tuppince and James Peeples, IV; three brothers, Walter Robertson (Sheryl), Roy Robertson (Belinda) of North Carolina and Jesse Robertson; five sisters, Queen Casey, Diane Robertson Lindesy (James), Mary Lee Robertson, Jeanette Robertson of Pennsylvania, Jessie Robertson Winn (Chancey), and Viola Robertson Pettis (Charles); a devoted sister-in-law, Marian Brooks (John), sister-in-law, Eva Rollins  and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends

Celebration service of life for Elder Haywood J. Lawyer will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 15, 2018  At New Covenant Sabbath Apostolic 2129 Ford Ave. Richmond Virginia 23223. Interment will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery Richmond Virginia.

Remains will lie in state One hour prior to services.

A Christian wake will be held Tuesday, August 14, 2108 at the funeral home from 6p.m. to 7pm.

The family is asking that relatives and friends assemble at 3845 Meadowdale Blvd. Chesterfield, Virginia at 11:45a.m. day of service.

Professional funeral services entrusted to the staff of J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment 25824 Greensville Ave. Petersburg, Va. Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com., Rev. Jeffrey L. Dodson Sr. Funeral  Director (804) 732-5959 and (804)834-3330