Lawrence Edward Jones, born on July 8, 1980, in Peoria, Illinois, was the son of Deborah Cotton and Lawrence Jones Sr. He was lovingly raised by his stepparents Allen Bradley, Connie Thomas, and Rachel May. Lawrence graduated from Woodruff High School and was last employed at Caterpillar. He had a passion for shopping, music, traveling, and especially enjoyed visiting casinos. Among his proudest achievements was becoming a homeowner and aspiring to assist his brother in establishing a business. Those who knew Lawrence recognized his determination to turn his dreams into reality.
Tragically, on July 11, 2024, at approximately 2 a.m., Peoria police officers, while conducting a traffic stop near West Forrest Hill, heard gunshots. They discovered a crashed vehicle in the 2100 block of West Forrest Hill, with Lawrence inside, suffering from a gunshot wound to the back. He was transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center and pronounced dead at 2:26 a.m. Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood stated that Lawrence likely died instantly due to severe and rapid blood loss. At the time, no suspect information was available, and the incident remained under investigation.
Lawrence is survived by his three sons: Shawnterius, Jeramiya, and La’Corein Jones; two daughters: Avaianna Smith (ViVi) and Maryia Jones; his girlfriend, Camella Stewart; seven sisters: Janie Bradley, Patricia, Gail, Tahisha, Brittany, Angel, and Tameka Thomas; four brothers: Brandon, Corey, Timothy, and Lonnie (Emily) Thomas; and six grandchildren: Ray, Raheem, KhyLen, Rhylai, Alijah, and Alayah. He also leaves behind numerous cousins, family members, and close friends, including Alonzo William, Rickey Washington, and Santonius Petty Tomcat (Peanut), whom he regarded as brothers.
Preceding him in death were his mother, Deborah Bradley; stepfather, Allen Bradley; daughter, La’Kaja Jones; brother, Antonio Cotton; grandparents: Albert Cotton Walton, Samuel Cotton Sr., and Almira Jones; aunts: Georgia Cole, Mary Delaney, and Brenda Jones; uncles: David Cotton, Frank Cotton, Henry Fields, Dixie Fields, Stan Jones, Craig Jones, and Frank Jones; and nephews: Antonio Cotton I and Antonio Cotton II.
Lawrence's untimely passing left a profound void in the Peoria community. His dedication to family, unwavering determination, and zest for life are fondly remembered by all who knew him.
