‘We bid farewell to Lawrence Joseph Sleurs (January 19th 1938-September 8th 2024) of Lakeland, Fl, who passed away at Lakeland Regional Hospital at 86 years old.

Lawrence Joseph Sleurs arrived to the world on January 19, 1938 in the capital city of Albany, New York. Born to first generation American and musician of Dutch descent Stephan and Julia Covell Sleurs, Lawrence was raised in a humble home with several siblings. Lawrence was brought up in a Roman Catholic household, a spiritual tradition that emanated throughout his entire life. Working as a paperboy and janitor to cover his tuition for parochial school, Lawrence graduated from high school at the Vincentian Institute in 1957.  Affectionately nicknamed ‘Mole’ by his classmates, he was also a member of the Glee Club and Dance Committee during his high school tenure. His knack and passion towards the arts never left him and while not by trade like his father who worked as a musician. Lawrence was a lifelong lover and creator of art.
A young man who believed in the highest ideals of what it means to be an American and at the same time a young man who sought to explore the world at large, Lawrence enlisted in the US Navy on November 23, 1955 (rank and title CDR, US Naval Reserve Enlisted Personnel Officer) and served until he was honorably discharged on November 22, 1961. The friendships he made, the different lands, peoples and cultures he was introduced to and his love of service towards fellow person while stationed on the USS Laffey destroyer was shared in stories of his for generations after. 

Returning to New York State and eventually relocating to Staten Island, Lawrence would write poems on his life, spirituality and varied emotional states as well as the exciting yet still uncertain and sometimes chaotic occurrences that took place in the 60's. Away from the sea but still in search of a way to serve others and make this world a little better, Lawrence completed a certification with the School of Practical Nursing at Willowbrook on Staten Island, New York on September 22, 1963. Shortly thereafter the University of The State of New York certified him as a Licensed Practical Nurse on January 16, 1964. He later on earned an Associates in Applied Science on February 1, 1974 at Staten Island Community College, subsequently becoming a Registered Professional Nurse on April 22nd of that same year. Working a large part of his career at the psych ward at Willowbrook as well as having a broader interest in the human mind, Lawrence would eventually earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Richmond College of The City University of New York on June 22, 1976. 

Professional accolades aside, perhaps the titles he valued most were that of husband and father. His first son Stephen  was born on October 30, 1966, shortly followed by daughter Sandra on September 12, 1967 from his first marriage.  From his first marriage he also guarded over and loved two other children, Joelanda Oliver and Jolanda Mungin. Years later he remarried to his beloved Margaret Daymond Sleurs on August 20, 1977. He was entrusted with the guardianship of another child Carla Daymond, who he cared for as his own as well as a loving relationship with his wife’s other daughter, Valarie Daymond. Several years later him and Margaret had two sons. Vincent born on February 19, 1982 and Daniel born on December 19, 1984. Later on he assumed guardianship over his granddaughterAmanda Daymond, born January 12, 1988. He loved his family dearly, working tirelessly to provide while still passing on his knowledge, wisdom, humor and heart to his loved ones. 

Eventually Lawrence retired and settled in Lakeland, Florida where he had lived previously for a several years in the 80’s. On September 8, 2024, Lawrence transitioned to the life hereafter where he now exists in peace and freedom. May his memory fill all of us with love, may we find comfort in knowing he lived a good life and he now rests in eternal glory.

Lawrence J. Sleurs is preceded in death by his parents Stephan and Julia Sleurs; sister Mary Trafton; brothers Harold, Stephen, and Roland Sleurs; father and mother-in-law Contell Sr. (Mozella) Daymond; brothers-in-law Joseph Jones, Contell Jr., Otis Lee, and Joseph Sr. Daymond; sisters-in-law Arnetha and Maxine Daymond; sister-in-law Lois Sleurs; grandson Eyoun Williams; and son-in-law Lawrence Cosby.
His memory lives on through his loving wife of 47 years, Margaret Daymond Sleurs; sons Stephen (Yolanda), Vincent, and Daniel Sleurs; daughter Sandra Cosby; stepson Joelando Oliver; stepdaughters Jolanda Oliver, Valarie and Carla Daymond; brother Joseph Sleurs and sister Rose Maria (Robert) Godlewski; in-laws Thomas (Josephine) Daymond Sr , Lawrence Daymond, David Sr. (Alma) Daymond, Yvonne Daymond, Judy Daymond, Almeta Jones, as well as 12 grandchildren, and many more great grandchildren , cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends.