Life and Legacy

Mr. Lawrence “Larry” Marshall was born on June 18, 1933, in Houston, Texas, to Leon Marshall, Sr. and Mary Carrier Marshall. He was the sixth child born to this loving union. From an early age, Lawrence accepted Christ and developed a steadfast faith in God that guided and sustained him throughout his life.

Educated in the Houston Independent School District, Larry proudly graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and continued his education at Texas Southern University, earning both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Education. While at TSU, Larry pledged to the Delta Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., beginning a lifelong commitment to leadership, scholarship, and service. He served as Junior Student Council President, Treasurer of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Senior Class President.

While attending Texas Southern University, Lawrence met the love of his life, Barbara O’Cele Thompson Stevenson. After her return from Northwestern University, their friendship blossomed into love. They united in marriage on December 23, 1958. To this union, two children were born: Lauren Mollie Marshall and Lawrence Gregory Marshall, Sr., who preceded him in death.

Larry devoted his life to public education and the advancement of young people. He began his career with the Houston Independent School District in 1955 as a teacher at Brock Elementary School. He rose through the ranks, serving as principal, Area Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, and ultimately Assistant Superintendent of Vocational Education/Enrichment Programs. He retired from HISD on April 30, 1991.

Lawrence later continued his service in education as a Trustee of the Houston Independent School District Board of Education from 1997 until 2013, serving as Board President in 1999 and 2009.

A pioneer in educational reform, Larry helped develop HISD’s magnet school and alternative education programs and was instrumental in establishing Booker T. Washington High School for Engineering Professions. These initiatives became models for school districts across the country.

In recognition of his contributions, he received numerous honors, including the Magnet Schools of America Distinguished Service Award, the Benjamin Elijah Mays Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Texas Legislative Black Caucus Outstanding Texan Award for Education. In 2012, Lawrence Marshall was honored as an HISD “Living Legend.”

His service extended far beyond the classroom. Larry served on multiple civic and educational boards, including the American Heritage Education Foundation, the Southeast Coalition of Civic Clubs, and the Harris County Appraisal District. He also served as Interim Superintendent of Kendleton Independent School District, Adjunct Professor at Texas Southern University, and chaired advisory committees supporting education and community advancement.

Larry lived fully, loved deeply, served faithfully, and inspired countless lives during his 93 years. His life was a testament to faith, perseverance, leadership, and service.

He was preceded in eternal rest by his parents, Leon Marshall, Sr., and Mary Carrier Marshall; his son, Lawrence Gregory Marshall, Sr.; and his siblings, including sisters Rita Marshall, Gertrude C. Marshall, and Mary R. Branch, and brothers Lee Marshall and Leon Marshall, Jr.

Larry leaves to cherish his precious memory: his devoted daughter, Lauren Mollie Marshall; his beloved grandchildren, Lawrence Gregory Marshall, Jr., Kaiya Symone McCray, and Lawrenzo LaMark Marshall; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends, former students, colleagues, and all whose lives were forever touched by his wisdom, leadership, and unwavering faith.

“Keep The Faith” was his lifelong motto and guiding principle.