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Iris LAWSON Obituary
A native of Floyd County, the daughter of Ballard and Blanche King Sweeney, she had been a longtime Hampton resident. Mrs. Lawson was a graduate of Radford College and taught math at Hampton High School for 37 years, retiring in 2009. She was a member of First United Methodist Church Hampton and the Hampton Education Association.
Mrs. Lawson is survived by her husband, Hamilton M. Lawson; daughters, Paige L. Slayton and husband, Kenny of Virginia Beach, Nan L. Greeley and husband, John of Cedar Park, Texas, Molly L. Noll of Virginia Beach, and Heather L. Moore and husband, Kyle of Williamsburg; a brother, Ralph Sweeney and wife, Alice of Galax; a sister, Sue Miserentino and husband, Robert of Hampton; grandchildren, Kai L. Moore, Kira L. Moore and Kensington L. Moore, Cole Slayton, Amy Slayton, Brooke Lawson, Gerald Slayton, Terry Searles, Robert Searles, Amber Searles, Joshua Searles and Jamie Greeley; and seven great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday, May 7, 2012, at First United Methodist Church, Hampton, by Dr. Michael L. Nelson, with interment to follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to First United Methodist Church, 110 E. Queen St, Hampton, VA 23669; or a favorite charity. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Iris LAWSON
Michael Gosey
November 7, 2017
This is an embarrassingly late post but I was tutoring a Calculus student today at the Tech College where I work part time and I started thinking about my past math teachers and of course Miss Sweeney came to mind. Senior year at HHS 1st period Calculus w/Ms Sweeney........so I Googled her and was saddened to learn of her departure. Too often we wait too late to reach out to those who influenced us for good and this is the case for me. She was a fine teacher, adept at explaining the myriad complexities of Calculus to a hard head like me; I would like to have thanked her for encouraging my interest in Mathematics. So here is my woefully delinquent posting to her...........I like to think she is out there/up there differentiating and integrating on into eternity!!!!
Jeffrey Orlando Roberts
May 18, 2012
To the Family of Mrs. Iris S. Lawson,
This lady was a most dynamic,kind and affable woman. During my first year teaching at HHS, 1987, she took me to the office, to Mr. Lowell Thomas, because,"Students are not supposed to get drinks out of the teachers' lounge." We all laugh when she found out i was a teacher! Mrs. Lawson work, dedication, and commitment to a standard of excellence inspired me as a young teacher. I will always cherish the fond memories of her as one of the stars of the Hampton high School Faculty.
Blessings,
Jeffrey O. Roberts
Biology/Earth Science HHS 1987-1995
Heather Moore
May 13, 2012
Dear Mom,
Happy Mother's Day Mom. I wanted to let you know that I miss you terribly. Today was the first day we have made it to church since you got sick and I cried all morning. I realized that I need the babies to keep me occupied. Your grandbabies talk about you all of the time and dream that Zack and Schuyler are laying at your feet keeping you company. Kira made it to Kindergarten registration and got to ride the bus-oh she was excited! Kai is still convinced that he, Kira and Kensington will go to college together..oh, the mind of a 6 year old. And Kensington is crawling fast and trying to walk.
I also wanted to let you know how comforting all of your friends have been to me. Listening to and reading stories about you and hearing all of the positive things about you have made me happy. Your past students have been so inspiring to me as well. I thought you were a pretty great teacher when I had you my senior year but it has really been nice to hear from so many other students...some from way back when! A lovely group of current seniors even made arrangements to come to your funeral..I was so impressed with them! Thinking of all of these wonderful people and your loyal commitment to education I have decided to begin a scholarship in your name. I think you will smile about this.
We all love you and miss you Mom. I just wanted to tell you Happy Mother's Day.
Beth Rives-Zelms
May 10, 2012
Mrs. Lawson was the very best math teacher that my daughter, Sara Gerringer, ever had. I got to know her while working at HHS and she was one of a kind. I am sorry to hear of her passing and will certainly let my daughter know. Iris was compassionate, unique, and thorough. She changed many lives for the better during her career. Thank you, Mrs. Lawson. RIP.
Whitney Lawson
May 9, 2012
Uncle Manning and Heather,
I am so sorry about to hear about Aunt Iris. So many fun memories I will have.
Love you both.
~Whitney
Georgia Scott
May 9, 2012
Heather and the Family:
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I enjoyed working with Iris at Thomas Eaton and I was sorry to see her return to high school because when she left we lost a good math teacher. I remember the last time we talked on the phone, and she told me how much she was enjoying her retirement. When I asked her how she found my number she said she was now a pro using the computer and just googled my name and company. May God comfort you as you face the days ahead without her. She will be missed.
Lynda Leech
May 9, 2012
Heather and Family:
I worked with Iris at HHS for 14 years. My fondest memories of her were of our insane conversations in the lounge at lunch or during her planning time, where everyone could step outside the role of employees and just be friends. Iris was a sharp-witted woman who gave me many laughs. I will never forget her.
Curtis & Louise Nester
May 9, 2012
To Sue and the Family,
Our condolences to all the family. May God comfort you in your sorrow and guide you in all of life's way.
May 9, 2012
Dear Sue, Bob, Alice, and Ralph,
I am so sorry about Iris Jean's passing.
She was a lovely person! I always enjoyed all the nights I spent in her
home in Floyd. With heartfelt sympathy
to the entire family,
Benita Dickerson Lackey who grew
up in Floyd with Iris Jean
Bob Phillips
May 7, 2012
As a senior at Hampton High in 1968-69, I was in Mrs. Lawson's calculus class. Back in those days, we knew her as Ms. Sweeney. Her calculus class consisted of 30 minutes of lecture by a W&M professor on WHRO, and 30 minutes of class questions/answers/problem-solving where she was in charge. When I started college the following year, I was pleasantly surprised to find I was considerably ahead of my classmates in math, even the ones who had graduated from the most prestigious prep schools in the country. As an engineering major, this was a huge advantage. I give Mrs. Lawson/Ms. Sweeney all the credit for providing me this foundation. My condolences to the family.
Brad Simpson
May 7, 2012
Ralph and Alice, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I know the many wonderful tributes to Iris in the guest book are comforting. Love, Brad (SAR, Lt. David Cox Chapter)
Clyde A. Murphy
May 7, 2012
To the family,
I could talk about how good of a teacher she was. I could talk about her involvement in numerous HHS activities, I could talk about all of the people around the country that she infulenced, I could go on and on about all of those things, including her inner beauty and outer beauty as well.
What I remember... She cared about people. I was in the c/o 1969 and remember her guiding my choices as I headed to college, and helping guide me as I was trying to become a contributing man in the world. What an amazing woman... But you all knew that; I just needed to say THANK YOU one more time.
My respect to your family, and please accept my condolences as we honor Ms. Sweeney(as I knew her).
Cindy Gibbons
May 6, 2012
Paige: While this is prob not the venue, for some reason I've been thinking alot about you lately even though I haven't seen you in probably almost 30 years. I think the fact that my 23 yr old son rented an apt. on Pembroke reminded me of all our good times together! I am very sorry to hear of your mother's passing - my grandparents were members of First United for 50+ years & knew her as well. Contact me when you get a chance ([email protected]). Cindy McGhee Morris Gibbons
Tamara Hamlin
May 6, 2012
Mrs. Lawson was my Pre-Calculus teacher at HHS and I loved her class!! She helped me find my love for math!! Once I graduated from Hampton, I would go back often during college breaks to visit her and let her know how school was going. I'm sorry to hear of her loss!
May 6, 2012
To Heather and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about your mom passing away. I remember being in her pre-calculus class with you...the two of you were very funny together and she was a great teacher. I teach math myself and I have thought of her often over the years. She has touched so many lives through her many years of teaching and I know that will bring you some comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cena (Thomas) Kirsch
Anitra Raines
May 6, 2012
I had Mrs Lawson as a math teacher as a student @ HHS in 1997. She was an amazing teacher who didnt mind taking time out to help those that needed alil more help. She will be greatly missed & her memories will continue to live on. To the Lawson my thoughts and prayers are will you all during this difficult time. Just know that she will always be looking down over u all
Karen Crockett
May 6, 2012
Mrs. Lawson was a wonderful lady who loved teaching and her family. She always had a big-wonderful smile when talking about her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Julia Templeman
May 6, 2012
Dear family of Mrs. Lawson, my deepest condolences go out to you.
During my first year in the IB Programme at Hampton High, back in 2009, I had Mrs. Lawson as my Geometry teacher. Mrs. Lawson was a light in the ever-confusing dark of freshman year. She was funny, smart, and an overall warm and loving person. Even after she graduated that year, every time she would come back to visit Hampton High was a special day, and, even though I had only been her student for one year, she remembered my name and face, something I can't say for most other teachers of that year.
I hope you all find comfort in knowing that Mrs. Lawson (as she will forever be known to me as) touched so many lives so deeply.
Julia Templeman
Jamar Moore
May 6, 2012
Mrs. Lawson was one of the finest math teachers the City of Hampton had. She had a passion for math like no other teacher, which is lacking nowadays. I had the pleasure of being in her last Pre-cal class before her retirement in 2009 and I remember getting my diploma and walking back to my seat and she gave me a smile and I gave her a hug. I thanked her for all she did for me. You will be missed but never forgotten
Khanh Ngo
May 6, 2012
You will always be my favourite teacher. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. Rest In Peace Mrs. Lawson, I'll never forget you.
Phylicia Littleton
May 6, 2012
Mrs. Lawson was one of the few teachers who actually had a passion for education. She would stay after school for assistance for the students who wanted to succeed and for that, I am grateful. I am about to start my journey in the world of education and I just hope that I am as half as inspiring as she was to me. May God rest your soul, Mrs. Lawson. Please know that your labor was not in vain and that you helped to develop productive citizens in today's society. I can still be your "Priscilla" or "Patricia" :-) Hampton High School Class of 2006
Cely Reyna
May 6, 2012
I had Mrs. Lawson for math the last year before she retired. She was a sweet lady and made the best of her last year there despite any hardships that she faced physically. My prayers go out to the families during this hard time. She will be greatly missed.
Catherine Cromwell
May 5, 2012
Thank you for being an amazing teacher! I will never forget you. My condolences to family and friends, Mrs. Lawson will certainly be missed. She was the best math teacher I've ever had and I am proud to have known her. Thank you for being such an amazing influence on so many lives.
MacGyver Dallas
May 5, 2012
Ms. Lawson was one of two Math Teachers who helped me with math. I was in her classes at Hampton High before she retired. She really took out the time to help and understand her students. I had so many wonderful memories in her class and I will truly miss her. My condolences to her surviving family.
Michael Chapman
May 5, 2012
Mrs. Lawson was one of the most passionate teachers I ever had when i was at Hampton High School- she taught me for two years in the early 2000s. Her unwavering kindness, and her determination to help all her students succeed, helped inspire me to become a teacher. She was always one of the first I visited when I went back to Hampton High School.
To the Lawson family, I offer my deepest condolences. Cherish the memories you had with her- she was truly an angel.
Nathaniel Whitaker
May 5, 2012
I took several math courses with Ms Sweeney in 68 and 69. She was my favorite teacher of all time. Her teaching style fit me very well. She had a love for math which rubbed off on me in so much that I went on to get my Ph.D in mathematics. I have thought about her frequently over the years. I have seen her only once since I left Hampton but I made sure that I told her how important she was to my future. My condolences to Mr. Lawson, her daughters and family.
Sheila Majka
May 5, 2012
Heather...I loved your mom! We retired at the same time....I cannot believe that she is gone...please accept my heartfelt sympathies.
Eugene Gibson
May 5, 2012
To the Iris Sweeney Lawson Family,
I am very much saddened to hear of the loss of Iris. She was absolutely one of my favorite teachers at Hampton High School where I had several math classes from her in the late '60's.
I also had the chance to see and speak to her at our last HHS reunion picnic at Fort Monroe and we reminisced about the old days when she was known simply as Miss Sweeney.
My thoughts and prayers now go out to her entire family at her passing, but please know that she had a very positive and life long impact on so many of us, me included.
I will never forget her, her personality, and her infectious laugh... and I will always be amazed that she could still remember me after 40+ years... but she did.
Again, I was so sorry to learn of her passing.
With Deepest Heartfelt Sympathy...
Josephine Simmons
May 5, 2012
To the Family of Iris Jean,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Iris as a smart, talented, beautiful teenager; a first cousin growing up in Floyd.
My mother, Lois Sweeney Poff who just passed away in December, always thought so much of all of Uncle Ballard's children.
My deepest sympathy to all of you. May you find comfort in your memories of your life with her.
Sincerely, Josephine Poff Simmons
robert sneed
May 5, 2012
To the Family of Iris S. Lawson , our deepest condolences, she was one of my teachers when i attended there. May God comfort you at this time. She loved to teach math. it was her passion. Mr. Lovett was the principal in 1976.
The Noors
May 5, 2012
Our sincere condolances to the family. She will be missed by us and all the people that knew her. She will always be in our prayers.
The Noor family
Ruth Hopson
May 5, 2012
To the Family of Iris:
You have my deepest sympathy on the death of your loved one. I know how important she was in your life and your care and support during these last few years brought her great comfort. Mr Lawson, you were always so kind and such a gentleman whenever I would call to talk to Iris. I learned that your relationship with her was very special; for you even gave up relaxing or working in your garden to escort Iris to Hampton High's graduation last June. While this special relationship makes the loss so very painful, I do believe that your closeness and warm memories will bring you comfort.
To Heather and husband and the other Lawson sisters and families, you all were included in most of my conversations with Iris. For I have known your mom since August, 1970 when she was "Miss Sweeney."
To Sue and family, my closeness with Iris extended to include you. Often I thought of you two sisters as almost twins.
Please know that I am thinking of you and Iris.
Fondly,
Ruth Hopson
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