Louise Reda Turner Lawes, 91 of McDaniel, Maryland was called from this home to a better home December 1, 2023, at the University of Maryland Shore Medical Hospital of Talbot. She was born December 21, 1931, to the late George O. and Catherine H. Palmer.

Louise was educated in the Talbot County Public School System. While attending high school, she met and went on to marry the late Randolph Joseph Smith. June of 1951, Randolph enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base. They moved to Spokane, Washington near his duty station.

Louise continued her education and became a Certified Nurses Aide. She was a Certified Nurses Aide for several years until she became the Maintenance Facility Managers for Eastern Washington University.  Louise returned home to McDaniel after retiring from Eastern Washington University.

Her hobbies included gardening, cooking, and decorating for holidays. She also enjoyed a good practical joke! She genuinely believed in being a mother to those who needed a mother. Her way of thinking was "If one of mine is out there, I'm praying that the favor will be returned." As a result, she raised nine children and was the mother to countless other children, even foreign exchange students from other countries.

She leaves behind to cherish her loving memory her daughters: June Johnson (Joseph) and Corliss Lawrence (Ernest);  5 sons: Randolph Smith (Nisha), Andrew Craig Lockridge, Tyrome Lockridge, Jerome Lockridge, Bernard Alfonso Lawes (Lisa); a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren; 2 brothers: Robert and Leonard Palmer, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Waiting at the heavenly gates are her mother Catherine H. Palmer, father George O Palmer; brothers: James and Earl Turner, Joseph, George E. Palmer; sister, Mary Ethel Palmer, a daughter, Rene Works (Lockridge), a son, Anthony Lockridge, and grandsons: Tyrome D Lockridge and Tyson Lawes.

Have you ever met my mama? She's as sweet as she can be.

Let me tell you about a woman who's given up her life...for me.

She's strong and wise; smart and tough. Filled with tenderness and love.

She picked me up and saved my life. She's my miracle from above.

Have you ever met a lady who's beautiful inside and out.

If you ever make her acquaintance, you'll know what I am talking about.

She's more than just a blessing, she's my daily inspiration.

She didn't give me life...but she's given me love; Surpassing any expectation.

Have you ever met a woman who's as proud as she is old.

She will give and give; without asking much. Her heart is pure as gold.

You may never meet my mama, you may never see her smile. But if you see my mama,

stop and chat for a little while.

Have you ever met my mama? I hope one day you do.

Cause if you meet my mama you'll meet a woman who's honest and true.

You'll leave her presence with a full heart; she'll leave you with a nod.

But once you go; you'll always know

You were graced by an angel of God!

Lovingly submitted,

The Family