Service over self: Iris Lawrence's leadership a beacon for generations

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once drew a parallel between greatness and one’s willingness to serve.

Though too filled with humility and grace to acknowledge as much, Amarillo resident Iris Elaine Sanders Lawrence’s life has steadfastly embodied King’s sentiments and has demonstrated unsurpassed measures of selflessness in passing the baton of service to the next generation.

“I grew up in an atmosphere where my mother and father were always involved in community activities,” said Lawrence, a graduate of Amarillo’s George Washington Carver High School who went on to attend Howard University in Washington, D.C., and earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, N.C.

“As I matured it just seemed second nature to commit myself to helping people. I’m a people person at heart and enjoy helping others.”

Lawrence’s list of accomplishments runs the gamut from local achievements to those that garnered national notoriety.

She was the first African-American woman to serve as Potter County Democratic Chairperson, was appointed by former Texas Gov. Ann Richards to the state’s Board of Pardons and Paroles and earned a seat on the Potter County Commission — amassing the distinction of becoming the county’s first African-American woman elected as a commissioner, serving eight years. Lawrence was also a delegate to the Democratic National Convention and formerly the Texas Democratic National Committeewoman.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do anything without standing on the shoulders of those who came before me,” said Lawrence, who also impacted hundreds of lives as an educator in the Amarillo Independent School District. “My parents always taught us to persevere and push forward, no matter what we were doing. I’m thankful for that encouragement and have tried to pass it on along my way.”

Amarillo NAACP President Floyd Anthony said he has had the pleasure of knowing Lawrence, a former Amarillo branch president, for more than 35 years and noted she has never wavered from her high level of commitment to causes.

“She’s a very loving human being, but most of all she loves God,” he said. “Everything she does is from the heart and I call her my blessing. She also believes in the young people and being an example for them. Thanks in great part to her leadership, Iris Lawrence played a major role in our NAACP chapter celebrating 75 years of continuous service.

“She’s a jewel and we’re blessed to have her.”

Lawrence’s effect is certainly not lost on Potter County Precinct 4 Commissioner Alphonso Vaughn, whom Lawrence encouraged to run for the seat as she was on the cusp of retiring.

“She’s the prime reason why I’m Commissioner Vaughn,” he said, noting he initially had reservations about entering the race before Lawrence convinced him to make the leap. “We’ve worked together on a number of projects throughout the years and I’ve found her to be a sterling example for anyone, regardless of color, ethnicity or origin. When you reference talking the talk and walking the walk, that is Iris Lawrence. She has a passion and heart for the community and individuals that’s unsurpassed.”

In the wake of her myriad contributions to the greater good and dozens of accolades, Lawrence said she never thought of the manner in which she was making a difference.

“I just wanted to do the best I could and try to broaden the path for others, as had been done for me,” said Lawrence, who retired in 2013. “I’ve always wanted young people to have the opportunity to carry the torch.”