Reverend Lawrence Levine, Sr.

Rev. Lawrence Levine Sr. peacefully transitioned from this life on Wednesday, December 25th, 2024, at A New Way of Care Services in Detroit, MI.

Lovingly known as “Rev,” Lawrence was born on August 27th, 1930, to Howard and Julia (Harris) Levine Jr. in Abbeville, Louisiana. The third of ten children, Lawrence entered the world under the care of a midwife, embodying strength, determination, persistence. Known for his quiet demeanor and strong-willed nature, from a young age his words carried weight, and his actions inspired many.

As a young man, Lawrence’s siblings would jokingly recount tales of his mischievous streak, often paired with a warning that he was not to be played with. Flat out when he said leave him alone, he meant just that. They each could remember having the scars to prove it. Yet, beneath this exterior lay a heart devoted to family, faith, and community.

Lawrence accepted Christ at an early age, committing his life to the service of God—a commitment that guided him until his final breath. A man of steadfast faith, wisdom, and kindness, he epitomized the strength of a life lived in pursuit of God’s purpose.

At 16, Lawrence left Louisiana with friends to work in Michigan’s fruit harvest, always being certain to send earnings home to support his family. By 18, he secured a position at The Studebaker Company in South Bend, IN. Though his formal education ended in the third grade, Lawrence’s drive and ambitious nature led him to Reith-Riley Construction at 19, where he rose from laborer to foreman. After retiring at 68, he continued as a consultant until age 71.

While living in South Bend, Lawrence became an active member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, then known as the “little white church in the country.” In 1975, under Rev. John Willis’s leadership, Lawrence answered his calling to ministry and received his license to preach. His dedication to service extended beyond the pulpit, reflecting his belief that a true leader is a servant first.

In 1981, Lawrence married the love of his life, the late Yvonne Elizabeth Levine. Together, they shared a journey of faith and service, first in Abbeville, LA, at Mt. Triumph Missionary Baptist Church under the late Rev. Henry L. Maze, and later back in South Bend. There, Lawrence resumed his work at Reith-Riley and served faithfully at Bethlehem Baptist Church as the right hand to Pastor Hardy N. Petty.

Throughout his life, Rev. Levine mentored countless young men and aspiring ministers, provided pastoral care to multiple congregations, and served as President of the City-Wide Ministerial Alliance. His love for singing found expression in the Male Chorus and the Quartet Union. Despite his many commitments, he never gave up his passion for bowling, which he approached with the same discipline and joy he brought to ministry.

In 2013, guided by faith and a sense of adventure shared with Yvonne, Lawrence relocated to San Marcos, TX. There, they found a new spiritual home at Greater Bethel Baptist Church serving under the leadership of Pastor Derrick Benn.

Rev. Levine’s love for family extends far and wide, leaving behind an unwavering devotion to family, both those related by blood and those adopted into his heart along the way. His life was a testament to God’s grace, leaving an enduring legacy of wisdom, humility, and love.

He leaves to cherish his memory: daughters Antoinette Marie Booker (Detroit, MI) and Theresa Lynette Johnson (South Bend, IN); son Apollo Levine (Harlem, NY); grandchildren Lakita (Richard) Thomas, Stacey Kirkendoll Jr., Randy (Leslie-Anne) McCaster, Alonte Weaver, Joshua Hart, Alexandra Thompson, Arthur Booker III, Amara Booker, Aaniyah Booker, and Karsyn Feemster-Jones; great-grandchild Alexandra McCaster, Legacy-Amara McCaster, S’Rai-Lanae McCaster, Theory-Joy McCaster.; godchildren Dietta Anderson-Day (Birmingham, AL), Crystal Nicole (Adam) Henson (Spencer, IN), Erik (Anna) Johnson (Mishawaka, IN), Conni Hicks, Keia Spears-Marshall, and Kashawna (Luis) Marshall-Jimenez (South Bend, IN); brothers Alton (Mabel) Levine Sr. and Lennis (Melba) Levine (Dallas, TX); special children Freddie Braylock and Nathan Burks (South Bend, IN); a special sister-in-law Yvette (Jim) Johnson of (South Bend, IN) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Rev. Levine is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Yvonne E. Levine; parents Howard and Julia (Harris) Levine Jr.; siblings Lloyd Levine, Beatrice Petry, Wallace Levine, Alma Guidry, Wilmer Levine, Lola Mae DeJean, Dennis Levine; and daughter Frances Jean Levine.

Rev. Lawrence Levine Sr. lived a life of faith, service, and unwavering devotion to God, leaving an indelible imprint on all who knew him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Reverend Lawrence Levine, Sr., please visit our floral store.