Dr. Lawrence James Ingram, a highly respected and accomplished music educator, choral director, and music minister, passed away on August 10, 2024, at the age of 69. Dr. Ingram's legacy is defined by his passion for music, dedication to education, and unwavering commitment to the communities he served throughout his illustrious career.

Dr. Ingram was born to Bertha White Ingram and the late James Franklin Ingram in 1954 in Tampa, Florida, and graduated from Plant City Comprehensive High School in May 1973. He then followed his late brother, Dwain Ingram, to Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where he was introduced to the legendary Professor James Arthur Williams, who was head of the Music Department and conductor of the renowned Stillman College Choir. Lawrence majored in Music Education and studied voice and choral conducting as well as piano. He traveled extensively throughout the country with the Stillman College Choir as a soloist and student conductor. The Stillman College Choir was the top choir in the State of Alabama and one of the top choirs in the nation. The choir was often invited to sing at the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. The choir frequently toured Texas and was very active in fund raising for the college, sometimes securing millions of dollars for Stillman College.

In 1974, he pledged the Epsilon Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated at Stillman College and remained a lifelong dedicated member. He graduated from Stillman in 1977 and began establishing himself in the Gospel music arena around the country. Miami, FL was his home after Stillman College, and he worked for the Miami Dade County School System. In October 1982 he married Priscilla Corner and moved to Houston, Texas. It was there that he began his own ministry and formed the Spirit of Life Community Choir in the summer of 1983. In 1988, he took the country by storm with his album and featured song, both entitled “Stayed on Jesus.” Also at that time, he worked for the Aldine School District and Houston North Forest District, until Superintendent Dr. Carrol Thomas helped him catapult his career by introducing him to school districts in and around Beaumont, Texas. His professional career in education also included working for Superintendent Dr. Stevie Roberts at the Northwest Preparatory Academy Charter School in Houston.

In 1994 Dr. Ingram was invited by Dr. William Henry Caldwell, also a Stillman College alum and head of the music department and conductor of the Grammy nominated Central State University Chorus, to serve as artist-in-residence for the Annual Homecoming Gospel concert at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. Performing before a packed house in the Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center, for almost two decades this event was the highlight of the academic year and the homecoming activities. His relationship with Central State University grew and for many years, he sent many choir students from Ozen High School to Central State University. Lawrence’s personal academic journey was marked by a deep commitment to furthering his knowledge and expertise in music education, culminating in him earning a master’s degree from Liberty University in 2019 and a Doctorate in Music Education, which he completed in May 2022.

Dr. Ingram's career as an educator spanned several decades, during which he touched the lives of countless students across Texas. His tenure included significant roles as Choir Director at Southwestern Christian College, O. D. Wyatt High School, Memorial High School, West Orange Stark High School, and Clifton J. Ozen High School. Dr. Ingram's choirs consistently earned superior ratings at regional and state competitions, and his students performed at prestigious venues, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Apollo Theater.

Beyond his contributions to education, Dr. Ingram was a devoted Minister of Music, serving at various churches in Texas, including Rock Island Missionary Baptist Church in Port Arthur and Starlight Missionary Baptist Church in Beaumont. His leadership extended to the Texas Mass Choir, where he served as the 2nd Vice President and Youth & Young Adults Director for over twenty-five years.

Dr. Ingram was also recognized for his contributions to gospel music, being featured in the movie "Golden Voices" and also portraying the late James Cleveland in the upcoming film "The Lost Song." His accolades include the "Man of the Year Award" presented by the MLK Support Group of Port Arthur, Texas, and numerous awards for his choirs' outstanding performances. Dr. Ingram's impact on the world of music education and gospel music will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, passion, and dedication that will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and educators.

Lawrence is preceded in death by his Father; James Franklin Ingram, two Brothers; Dwain Ingram and Reginald Gerard Ingram, his Aunt; Dorothy “Dot” Looney, and his Uncle; John White. Dr. Ingram leaves countless and precious memories to be cherished by his God-fearing, prayer-warrior, beloved Mother; Bertha White Ingram, Brother; Alfred “Zent” Zimmerman Ingram, Sister-in-Law; Glenda Ingram, Aunt; Mary Love (Johnny), Uncles; Wesley White, (Darlene), Kernal White (Lola), Ernest White (Tish), and Jerry White (Joan), Niece; Shenavia Ingram, Nephews; Stankedrian and Dionavon Ingram, Great Niece; Kadence Ingram, Great Nephews; Dionavon Lavon Ingram II, Samir Ingram, devoted friend; Priscilla Corner, best friend; Rosyln Johnson, God-Sons; Tyrone Morrison, Joseph Mayes, Brian Hubbard, Nolan Jones, James McCreary, Travon Nabors, Isaiah Seltzer, Prentice Barrow.

In the words of his best friend, Rosalyn Johnson, “Lawrence wrote his book, and he painted his picture.” Dr. Lawrence James Ingram will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on through the music he loved and the many lives he touched.