Reba Mae Lawson

Katy - Reba Mae (Gilstrap) Lawson, of Houston Texas has gone to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Reba was born August 13, 1932, in St. Louis, Oklahoma to the late Ben and Marie Gilstrap. She was the youngest sister to the late Joyce Jennings and brother Benny Joe Gilstrap. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Reba graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1950. Her junior year she was Demolay Sweetheart and her senior year she was chosen to be the Chieftain Princess.

She married Ralph Beal in 1951, and they were blessed with 2 children-Melissa in 1952 and Greg in 1953. They divorced in 1955. She met and later married James K. Lawson on September 14, 1957, and moved from Oklahoma City to Chickasha. Jim and Reba had one son-James Kenyon Lawson Jr. in 1959 who became Kenyon to the family. Melissa, Greg and Ken were raised in Chickasha, Oklahoma, then 18 months in Casper, Wyoming after Jim was transferred there. Houston, Texas was their last home together.

In the 1960's, Reba took up tennis as well as sewing and upholstery. She went to upholstery school and completed a sofa and chair. By the time she was in her late 40s, she and her tennis doubles partner were ranked ninth in the nation in the 45year old national senior women's tennis amateur doubles. She taught herself astrology and tarot.

She worked as a volunteer for Continental Airlines. With her free miles from work, she took herself, Melissa and her daughter Philippa to Paris, France. In 1976, she had a vision of the Virgin Mary. Based on the vision she designed a piece of jewelry that was later developed and sold by James Avery. She received the Mizpah medal that was made from her design.

Yet her greatest accomplishment, was her volunteer efforts on the tall ship, Elissa, out of Galveston, Texas. At 54 years old, she could name every part on the ship and climb up a 25foot rope. She ultimately obtained the rank of Foresail Mast Captain. She and her shipmates on the foresail were known as the "crackerjack" crew. She volunteered on the Elissa for 5 years, helping to restore it and also leading the foundation fundraiser for the Elissa one year. She was able to sail her to the Mississippi River and New Orleans and back to Galveston.

In 2000, Reba retired from her life to care for her then ailing husband until he passed in 2011. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was strong in her faith and was a member of the Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church for 42 years. In 2012, after Melissa and Hugh converted to Catholicism, Reba decided she wanted to convert also. She went to St. Michael the Archangel Catholic church in Houston and became a Catholic. She loved doing her rosary.

In 2013, Reba decided she wanted to move back to Oklahoma City. She built her new house while living with Melissa and Hugh in Wyoming. Once she moved, she became active in her neighborhood-playing bridge. Unfortunately, she began developing Alzheimer's disease and her children moved her to Texas to be closer to them. She was in a memory care from 2021 up until her death in 2026.

Reba is survived by her loving children Melissa Fraser and her husband Dr. Hugh Fraser, Greg Beal and his wife Karen, Ken Lawson and his wife Diane. She is also survived by four grandchildren Gregory Beal (wife Megan), Brittany Grambling (husband Preston), Philippa Melski (husband Shane), and Alexander Kenyon Lawson and 3 great grandchildren: twins Madison and Caroline Grambling and Jaxon Melski.

Reba will be honored at a later date, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, with a private graveside service.

In lieu of remembrances, donations may be directed in memory of Reba Lawson to one of the following:

Memorial Drive or Galveston Historical Foundation

Presbyterian Church Via the Galvestonhistory.org website

11612 Memorial Drive Please direct it to the 1877 Tallship

Houston Tx 77024 Elissa in memory of Reba Lawson or St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church

1801 Sage Road Houston, TX 77056