Lamar Jay Horton, age 51, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024 after sudden decline in his health at VCU surrounded by family and with the love of his life, Laura Divelbiss, at his bedside.

Lamar was born on Tuesday, July 11, 1972 to Janie Ann and Napoleon Horton in Philadelphia, PA. Lamar graduated from Chapel Hill High School in 1990. Many of his classmates remember his smile, being friendly whether you knew him personally or not, and being a very good friend if you did.

After high school graduation, Lamar enlisted in the United States Navy and served for 7 years where he worked as a Respiratory Therapist at Portsmouth Naval Hospital and then transferred to Bethesda until the end of his tour. Lamar served during Desert Shield/Storm and received several unit citations and medals.  He was a medic attached to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.   After discharging from the armed forces, he continued his career as a Respiratory Therapist across the Maryland, DC and Virginia areas. Lamar was an avid learner and excelled in several career paths. He achieved 4 undergraduate degrees in his lifetime: Respiratory Therapy, Computer Engineering, Nursing, and Construction Management.   Lamar was also pursuing an undergraduate degree in Data Analytics at Georgetown University at the time of his passing. He was truly the epitome of a Career Student. He began his new career as a Registered Nurse in 2016 and proved he was a consummate overachiever. His enthusiasm to learn continued as he worked hard to attain every certification possible that aligned with his specialty and degrees in order to provide outstanding care to his ICU patients. He was often teased that it looked like he had the alphabet soup behind his name, but he knew we were all very proud of his persistency to excel and master whatever he set his mind to. Besides learning, he loved to have these long philosophical conversations sharing his knowledge and experience with others.

Lamar's departure comes as a great shock, and it is gravely felt by his family and friends who knew and loved him. He is survived by the love of his life, Laura, daughter, Paige Horton, older brother, Larry Horton, older sister, Lisa Mulkey (Kevin), younger brother Nathaniel, and niece Quiana and nephew Vaughan.  Lamar's smile and his laugh remain his hallmark, and it expressed the joy and love he tried to share with whomever he encountered. Lamar was preceded in death by his parents, and both of his maternal and paternal grandparents, and several uncles and aunts.

In lieu of flowers, Laura and his family ask that you donate to a scholarship fund that has recently been set up in his name.   The Mary Washington Foundation has formed the Lamar J Horton Future Respiratory Therapists Scholarship Fund. Donations may be made to Mary Washington Hospital Foundation at donate.mwhc.com  and designate "Lamar J. Horton Respiratory Therapists Scholarship" or by check to MWH Foundation-"Lamar J. Horton Respiratory Therapists Scholarship, 1001 Sam Perry Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA  22401.
A celebration of life is being held at Lake of the Woods Church at 9 am on Saturday, May 4th with a reception to follow at the Divelbiss household.  Immediate family and Lamar's close friends are invited to attend.