By John Summers | WBR Independent April 14, 2026

Port Allen lost one of its own Monday when Mrs. Ray Helen Lawrence passed away, leaving behind a legacy that stretched from the science classroom to the city council chamber — and into the history books.

The Port Allen Police Department confirmed her death April 13, 2026. Chief Mitchell and the department extended condolences, describing Lawrence as "a devoted educator, former District 1 councilwoman, and lifelong resident of our community."

A Historic First

Mrs. Lawrence was the first African-American woman appointed and then elected to the Port Allen City Council. She served the city for 20 years, running mostly unopposed — a testament to the trust the community placed in her. In 2013, she served as Mayor Pro-Tempore.

In a Black History profile that circulated widely on social media, Lawrence reflected on her years in public life: "I have worked with several mayors, police chiefs, and council members throughout my career."

A Legacy of Service

Among her proudest achievements was the establishment and oversight of Port Allen's annual Juneteenth celebration, honoring the day word reached enslaved people that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed.

Her service extended well beyond the council chamber. Parish records show her leading volunteers at Port Allen Cemetery, where residents mowed, picked up litter, pressure washed, and painted abandoned tombs — the kind of unglamorous work that defines genuine public service.

Thirty Years in the Classroom

Before and during her time in public office, Mrs. Lawrence was an educator. She retired with more than 30 years of teaching experience, instructing students across West Baton Rouge Parish. Her subject was science — and she brought it to life, including field trips to the John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

In that same profile, she described her mission in the classroom simply: "I retired as an educator with more than 30 years of service, teaching students all across West Baton Rouge Parish to love science."

A Community in Mourning

The social media response Monday was immediate and emotional — dozens of former students, neighbors, and community members sharing memories of a woman who left her mark on nearly everyone she met.

A note from the editor:

Mrs. Lawrence was my science teacher at Port Allen Middle School in the late 1990s. I was, by my own admission, at my most annoying during those years. She tolerated me anyway — and she taught me. I still remember field trips to the John C. Stennis Space Center, where a shared love of science made the classroom feel a little bigger than four walls.

As people do, we moved on. Life pulled us in different directions. The last time I spoke with her was during the pandemic, when I ran for police chief. Her health was declining even then. I didn't learn of her passing until late in the evening on April 13th — a reminder that as a reporter, you're sometimes the last to know the things that hit closest to home.

I never had the opportunity to cover her during her time in office. But I know she did a great deal for this city. The history speaks for itself. And so does the community's response on Monday.

Port Allen is smaller today. Rest well, Mrs. Lawrence.

— John Summers, Editor, WBR Independent

Service information had not been announced as of publication time. WBR Independent will update this story as details become available.

Photo: Official City of Port Allen photo, circa 2005, retrieved via the Wayback Machine archive of portallen.org