Pilot, Mechanic, Pioneering Aviatrix

Annie Lawrence learned to fly before she learned to drive a car. Airplanes often flew low over her grandparents farm on final approach to a nearby dirt strip, which she said inspired her to pursue a career in aviation at a time when the field was almost completely dominated by men. And according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, she passed away Wednesday at the age of 84.

Family Photo

Mrs. Lawrence had been a member of The Ninety-Nines, Amelia Earhart's international organization for female pilots. She ferried military aircraft across the country during WWII, once making an emergency landing in a cabbage field. The farmer had apparently never seen an airplane before, let alone one being flown by a woman. The farmer took her to buy parts, and already an accomplished mechanic, Mrs. Lawrence repaired the airplane and continued to her destination.

Lawrence operated a business repairing engines and fabric on airplanes in the 1940's and 50's in Deland, Florida, taught aviation classes at nearby Stetson University, and for more than 25 years volunteered with the Fernadina Beach, Florida Civil Air Patrol.

She moved from Florida to Atlanta and took a position as a ticket agent for Delta Airlines, married, and had two sons. She died at a personal care home in Lawrenceville, Georgia, from complications of diabetes and dementia.

FMI: www.ajc.com