LaDawn Raylene Lawrence
LaDawn Raylene Lawrence suddenly passed on January 14, 2023, at the age of 61.
A native Californian, LaDawn was born on June 9, 1961, in Pomona to Saundra and Stephen Ralston. As a child, LaDawn moved to her mother’s hometown of Saginaw, Michigan. During her time in Michigan, she volunteered as an actress at the local community theater and had two children, Tiffany and Christopher. In the early 90s, she moved back to California to pursue a career in IT, and later started her own computer services company.
LaDawn always had a passion for the stage and acting. She eventually fulfilled her dream to appear on screen as a background actress in various films and TV shows; in 2018, her work was recognized and she was formally invited to join the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). She loved singing and acting and was looking forward to spending time in live theater again.
When not on stage, LaDawn could often be found spending time by the pool, creating new recipes, and sharing meals with those she loved. She loved the hot summers in Palm Springs and would often visit – through these trips her daughter developed a love for the desert, moving to the area as an adult. LaDawn also passed on her love of cooking and creating new recipes to her son Christopher.
LaDawn will be greatly missed by everybody she knew and loved. She was a caring mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. We are thankful that she’s in the arms of the Lord and we look forward to seeing her again in heaven.
She is survived by her daughter Tiffany (Chris) Valentine and her son Christopher (Jessica) Young; four grandchildren, Avery Valentine, Travis Valentine, Emrys Young, and Astrid Young; her brother Steve (Tammy) Ralston; along with several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held later this year in Gaylord, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to the Palm Canyon Theater in Palm Springs California at https://palmcanyontheatre.net/donate in LaDawn’s name.