Prince H. Lawsha

On May 23, 2025, Prince H. Lawsha, 73, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer, at the Palo Alto VA Hospital with family by his side.  To those who really knew him, he was a warm, wonderful, peaceful, creative and gentle soul.  Prince was the third child born to William (Willie) B. and Dorothy Duffy Lawsha in Fort Worth, Texas, both parents proceeded him in death.

     Prince's mother purchased his first drum set which allowed him to practice for endless hours while keeping the sound vibrating through the neighborhood. Soon it was realized practice time had to be scheduled.  The church was an integral part of his life.  He attended Sunday school and sang in the church junior choir.  Prince graduated from I.M. Terrell High School where he was a member of the R.O. T. C., senior marching band, baseball team, and drama club.  After high school Prince was drafted into the U. S. Army and stationed at both Fort Ord in Monterey, CA and Fort Eustis in Newport News, VA.   Prince fell in love with California during his tour and only returned to Fort Worth for special occasions.

     Prince's life was centered around the people he loved and the things he enjoyed.  Those included his wife, Barbara Freis Lawsha, who preceded him in death and to whom he was married for 45 years; his family, friends, confidants, music, gardening, farmers markets and traveling for work and pleasure.  He fell in love with Paris, France and it became his favorite location for R&R.

     Music was paramount in Prince's life. He was the owner of QS Music Productions.  It offered him an opportunity to organize and participate in jazz festivals and local events; meet and work with some renowned jazz musicians; and to travel extensively in the U. S. and abroad. It also allowed him to grow and experiment with different musical genres.  He produced three CDs: Planetary Rhythms, Sweet Mango, and Anticipating Splendor.

     He also owned and operated Scentsations, a small French boutique shop in Santa Cruz where he enjoyed greeting customers and providing home grown lavender dip hand massages.  He was also known for baking and delivering cookies to friends and acquaintances. 

     Prince is survived by his siblings: Willette Lawsha, Wade Lawsha, Gloria Lawsha (Rev. Charles) Smith and Stevie Lawsha; nieces, nephews, cousins, great nephews and the Freis family of California and Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to PBS (Public Broadcasting Service).

     Friends may pay their respects at a viewing begining at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. at the chapel.

     Prince will be laid to rest with military honors at Felton Cemetery beside his beloved wife Barbara, immediately following the funeral ceremony.