Shirley Lawson, 88, minister of music at Spurgeon Memorial Baptist Church in Norfolk 1971-2001 and spiritual ministry partner of her husband Dr. Paul C. Lawson (Captain, CHC, USNR-Ret.) since they met at Campbellsville Junior College (now University) passed into Eternal Glory on September 19, 2023. Shirley lived and breathed the Bible and religious music. She saw and developed musical potential and self-esteem in many others, among whom was the late Dr. Douglas Mark Crowder. Shirley mentored Doug to sing publicly as a youth, which resulted in his Doctorate in Music from Peabody Institute (Johns Hopkins), after which he taught vocal performance and classical guitar from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania to Mendoza, Argentina. Shirley's post-secondary education started at Campbellsville Junior College, Kentucky, where at the beginning of her sophomore year in 1953 she met her future husband and quickly became his prayer and singing partner, a relationship that would continue through many churches in Kentucky and Virginia. Dr. and Mrs. Lawson set up a Church Music Scholarship in Shirley's name at Campbellsville University more than 20 years ago, and a grateful university awarded her Bachelor of Science diploma in 2020. The ministry duet moved to Tidewater in 1967 when Paul became a Navy chaplain, which he continued as a reservist until 1994. After 30 years of service at Spurgeon, Shirley supported Paul in interim ministries in Portsmouth, Hampton and Newport News. Shirley had been in home hospice for abdominal cancer and dementia for 17 months but continued to play her beloved piano at home until 2 months before her death. Shirley was the younger child of Vivian (Moss) Strader and Clifford Strader of Campbellsville, who lost their older child when Shirley was an infant. She is survived by her husband, his sister Charline Akins of Elizabethtown, KY, her son Paul Stephen (Kathy), and her three grandchildren Shaun, Chloe, and Devon.

Visitation will be 10-11am this Saturday, September 23, followed by funeral service at 11am, both at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Rd, Chesapeake.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press on Sep. 21, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Lawson

Sponsored by Graham Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

9 Entries

Dottie Schmehl

November 8, 2023

Paul, just now have seen the the notice of Shirley's passing. What a beautiful soul and wonderful woman she was. She radiated the joy of Christ. So thankful for the time spent with you, Shirley and our time at Spurgeon. My deepest sympathy to you and the family.

LUCAS TORRES

October 1, 2023

My dear Shirley was such an inspiration. She never missed an opportunity to share about Jesus, in her music or at lunch in the local restaurant. My special memories were the cantatas we'd perform and the hours spent in preparation and fellowship! Pastor Lawson I honor her memory and your legacy as you led many to Christ. My heart is better for having had you two in my life. May God continue to uphold you in the days, weeks and months ahead. Your son in Christ.

Nancy Parlette

September 28, 2023

Dr. Lawson , So sorry for your loss Shirley was a beautiful person inside and out. She had the voice of an angel. Think about you often.GOD BLESS.

Dr. August Little

September 22, 2023

From the age of 5, Ms. Shirley taught me how to sing, she taught me how to harmonize, and most importantly she taught me how to look good doing it. Thank you Ms. Shirley for all the love, the hugs, and the laughs.

Susie Cash

September 21, 2023

Shirley was such a sweet, loving woman. When she and Dr. Lawson were at Calvary Baptist Church in Newport News, I learned a lot about her loving spirit. I usually sat with her in the congregation, & she always told me she loved me. I enjoyed having her & Dr Lawson over for many Thanksgiving dinners. She was very special and I know she'll be missed by many! James and I love you, Dr Lawson, and we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers!

Jeanne Cornish

September 21, 2023

So sorry to hear of Shirley´s passing. She was a wonderful lady with a beautiful singing voice. Pastor Paul , I know you will miss her but you know she is with her God now and singing away. My prayers for you Stephen and the grandchildren.

Jeanne Cornish

Jeanne Cornish

September 21, 2023

So sorry to hear of Shirley´s passing. She was a wonderful person with a beautiful singing voice. She loved her God Paul and Stephen. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and her many friends. She is with her lord now and singing his praises. Rip Shirley, it was a pleasure to know you.

Jeanne Cornish

Laura P. Smith

September 21, 2023

Pastor Paul, Shirley was the sweetest lady and such an encouragement to me when I was leading the music at Bayside. She was always willing to help and had such kind words. I am so sorry for your loss but know that she is walking streets of gold!

Mark Ballance

September 21, 2023

Paul , so sorry to hear about your wife passing, What a beautiful lady, I know you will miss her, but you will see her again God Bless you and your family

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