LAWRENCE LAMAR STEPHENSON JR. Known to all as "Lamar", passed away Saturday January 10, 2004 leaving a void in the CMT Support group that he was founder of, and in the entire CMT Community.
He was born Sept. 25, 1947 in Thomas County, Georgia, a son of the late Lawrence Lamar Stephenson and Hilda Brady Stephenson. He leaves his son, Michael Lamar Stephenson of Thomasville; a special friend, Alice Hilton; his ex-wife Darlene Hitt, and several cousins.
Lamar became well-known in the CMT Internet Community over the years, starting as a member of the CMT email lists and progressing to owning his own CMT Support list. He was a member of the CMT Association and CMT International.
In 1965 he graduated from Central High School, in Thomas County, continuing on to graduate from Thomas Technical School as a Licensed Practical Nurse. To become a Registered Nurse he attended Georgia Southern University and graduated from Darton College with an associate degree in nursing.
Lamar started the CMT Support group because he realized there was a need in the CMT Community, for a place where people with CMT could go to receive support for the bad days, as well as the good. He wanted an open place where no question about CMT was rejected. He hoped to educate those with CMT and the public, believing that research funding would come with publicity. He believed that if the research funding was increased, then there would be better treatments for all of us and hopefully a cure for future generations.
Lamar retired from Southwestern State Hospital, as an RN, after 34 years of service. Lamar's other interests, included membership in Masonic Lodge No. 369. He was a past Master Mason. He was also a member of Hasan Temple and First Newark Baptist Church.
His accomplishments are many, but one continues to help all CMTers. The diagrams he assembled about CMT Heredity are comprehensive and very easily understood by anyone who views them.
Lamar believed very strongly in 'personal power'. He once wrote the following:
"My personal power place is on Jeckyll and St Simons islands on the Georgia coast. To reach them you must cross the "marshes of Glynn" commerated in Sidney Lanier's poem. The first time I was there, nearly 40 years ago, I noticed I felt differently. Since that time I have visited them many times. It matters not how I feel---the moment I reach the marsh I start feeling better. A few hours there is better than any medication. Fortunately, it is only about 150 miles away."
His varied interests are evident on his website. The Website remains giving us memories of the person we knew.Lamar's Place.
Lamar's dedication to helping and educating others with Charcot Marie Tooth Disease, and the general public will live on in the work he has done. He was a special person in many lives.
Memorial Donations may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association, P.O. Box 13841, Tallahassee, Fla.
32317.
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