Franklin - A Homegoing Celebration for Rev. Lawrence "Goose" Layton, Jr., 78, who passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025, will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Lighthouse Missionary Baptist Church, 1110 Barrow St, Franklin, LA. Rev. Allen Randle, Sr., officiant.

Family Quiet Hour will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Davis Family Mortuary Chapel, 802 Weldon Street, New Iberia, LA. 70560.

Visitation will begin at 8:00 AM and conclude at 10:00 AM at the Church on Saturday.

Burial will follow the service at Charity Baptist Church Cemetery, 1301 Irish Bend Road, Franklin, LA.

Lawrence Layton, Jr, affectionately known as "Goose", was born on Friday, February 28, 1947, to the union of the late Lawrence Layton, Sr. and Glenn Taylor Layton of Franklin, LA.

Native of the St. Joseph community and resident of Patterson, LA, Lawrence attained his formal education in the schools of St. Mary Parish and was a graduate of Park Avenue High School, class of 1965. Lawrence answered the call to serve both his country and his God. A distinguished veteran of the United States Army, he served with dedication in Vietnam, where he sustained injuries in combat and was honorably discharged. Lawrence was awarded the Purple Heart medal for his exemplary courage and valor. After completing his military service, Lawrence pursued higher education at Grambling State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and Teaching in 1972. He subsequently began his teaching career at Loreauville High School and Jeanerette High School. It was during this time he met Paulette Guy, and they were united in holy matrimony on July 31, 1976. After working as an educator, Lawrence spent over 20 years as a Warehouse Specialist at Cabot Corporation before retiring.

Lawrence was baptized and lived his life dedicated to the work of the ministry. As a member of Lighthouse Missionary Baptist Church, he lived a life rooted in faith, and service. On January 29, 2017, Lawrence answered the call to ministry and was ordained as a minister of the gospel. His ordainment was not just a title, but a testament to his unwavering faith and love for God's people.

A dedicated shepherd, family man, and veteran known for his faith and service, Lawrence was called home to be with The Lord Sunday, July 27th, 2025, while surrounded by his loving family in Patterson, LA – "A life well-lived and a rest well earned."

He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Layton, Sr., mother, Glenn Layton, brother, Reginald H. Layton, sister, Cynthia Span, and grandson, Chad Avery Lightfoot, Jr.

"Goose" as we all know him, will forever embrace the hearts and memories of: his wife of 49 years, Paulette Guy Layton of Patterson, LA, and children Diona Layton Brown of New York City, NY, Lawrence (Kimberly) Layton III of Lawrenceville, GA, Reginald Layton, Sr. of Patterson, LA, John (Miechea) Layton of Navarre, FL, and Keira Layton of Humble, TX; sisters, Deborah Hayes of Humble, TX and Jennifer Gibson of Franklin, LA; brothers, John Clay (Gladys) Layton of Franklin, LA and Rod Taylor of Franklin, LA; 10 grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, a grand puppy, and many cherished family members and friends.

The family has entrusted their loved one to the caring professionals at Davis Family Mortuary of New Iberia, LA.