Pauline Woodruff Lawson

Pauline Woodruff Lawson

AGE: 83 • Matawan

Pauline Woodruff Lawson, 83, was born on January 27, 1929, in Matawan, New Jersey. She peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012.

Pauline resided in Matawan for nearly all of her life. In her more senior years, she lived in Keyport and Wilson, North Carolina for a short time; even so, in her heart, Matawan was always "home" to her. She was educated in the Matawan Public Schools and a graduate of Matawan High School.

She worked as a Library Assistant at the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library, from which she retired in 1994 after 23 years of service. There, she especially appreciated the opportunity to play a role in helping children learn. Among her favorite activities for many years was time spent at the MONARC III Thrift Shop (Association For Retarded Citizens Monmouth Unit, Inc.) located on Main Street, both as a volunteer and shopper. She had a passion for thrift shopping and had an eye for good bargains for herself and others.

She was a member of St. James AME Zion Church of Matawan. She also enjoyed worshiping with friends at other area churches.

A woman of great generosity and compassion, Pauline went through life with a warm smile and open heart. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was loved with pride and admiration by her grateful family. She was a dear friend to many and a good neighbor to all. She humbly expressed her Christian life through helping, encouraging, supporting, mentoring, and comforting others. Pauline was an exceptional woman who leaves to her family and friends a legacy of love and service.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Ruth Lane Woodruff; her husband, James H. Lawson, Sr.; her former husband, Jesse C. Hedgepeth; her sister, Edna Woodruff Greene.

She leaves to forever celebrate her life and cherish her fond memories four children, Michael A. Hedgepeth (Montclair, CA); Charles T. "Terry" Hedgepeth (Trenton); Toni Hedgepeth Thomas and her husband, Joseph "Ben" (Wilson, NC); and James H. Lawson, Jr. and his wife, Lanyero (Mexico); five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; many cherished nieces and nephews; two sisters-in-law, Laura "Dot" Carter (Keyport) and Aery Lawson (Rio Rancho, New Mexico); one brother-in-law, Ernest Lawson (Willingboro); and a host of other beloved family and dear friends.

Private services will be held.

The Family acknowledges with sincere appreciation the many comforting expressions of sympathy and kindness extended to them during this time of loss. May God bless each of you.