Robert Louis Lawson

- Life Reflections -
Robert's journey began in Sumter, South Carolina, on October 8, 1934. He was the sixth child of 13. Little did his family know or realize at the time, that one day this rare and precious gift that God had given them would grow up to be used by God to impact and touch so many lives. While growing up, he was an inspiration to his younger siblings. They looked up to their big brother and always followed his lead.
After graduating high school, Robert went on to attend Morris College to pursue a degree. A young lady by the name of Betty Katherine Gray caught his eye while at the Darlington Camp meeting where he served as kitchen manager. He decided to leave college, marry Betty, and join the Army to serve his country. Their union was blessed with two wonderful children. While stationed in Tacoma, Washington, Robert and Betty were among the six original members under the leadership of Pastor Claudell Warren who helped to establish the first Church of God in that city. Following Robert's discharge from the military, the Lawsons returned to South Carolina, but shortly relocated to New Jersey in hopes of providing a better life for their family. Robert became a member of the Prophetic Church of God in Paterson, NJ where he served well until he moved to Ohio.
Robert and Betty were inseparable. Over the years they traveled extensively across the country and abroad and served the church together on a local, state, and national level. Robert was known throughout New Jersey as a faithful servant and was found doing whatever his hands found to do. He was known throughout the state as a master chef whose culinary skills tantalized the palate of the taster. He catered banquets, weddings, and other special occasions during his time in Jersey. On a local level he handled the church's finances, he played and directed the choir, he cooked for state conventions, and he made himself available to transport the saints to church which caused his congregation and the state of New Jersey to love and respect him deeply. He also served as the finance person for the National Association Men of the Church of God, as well as the Culinary Manager for the West Middlesex campground.
Earlier in his professional career he worked as head cook for Howard Johnson's Restaurant. He also worked at Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G) and retired after 25 plus years of service when Betty became ill in 1997. It was then that they decided to move to Columbus, OH to be closer to family. Upon their arrival, they joined First Church of God, and both served as they had always done. Upon Betty's passing, Robert continued to be a faithful member of First Church and was appointed as Deacon. He served in that role with distinction and honor until his time of transition.
At First Church, he served as the coordinator and cook for the senior feeding program; he cooked for the homeless shelter program; he cooked for the funeral repass; he was a part of the Tuesday morning men's fellowship time, and he delighted in serving God and His people with gladness. Because of his loving, gracious, and friendly ways, he was given the title of "Pop Lawson." He embraced that title and the members of First Church as his family and friends. He also knew many people across the country that he considered family and friends.
Pop can be described as a kind, loving, thoughtful, gentleman. Whenever you were in his presence, you left feeling better and blessed. He was fun loving, gregarious, and full of life. He never met any strangers, he was always filled with joy and excitement, and "happy about the whole thing!" He was sought after for his wisdom, he always had an encouraging word, always made you feel special, and he never complained. No matter how he was feeling, he would declare "I have no complaints. "His perspective on life sustained him over the years and kept him filled with unspeakable, everyday joy.
Pop had a special group of friends that he would kid with about him being young. He would kick-up his one leg, shake it to let you know he was young and still had it! He would often be heard telling anyone who had a job "Go to work, make that money, so I can get my check each month!"
He made all of his nieces and nephews feel like they were special, and they were his favorite. He not only served as a father figure to nieces and nephews in his family, but to others who had the privilege to know and connect with him. He was also grandpa to many.
For many years he had, let's say, a "lack of transparency "about his real age. Many would indulge by calling him "young man," (Pastor Hall) or "baby boy" (Pastor Kelly). In his heart he was "forever young," so he remained 39, 52, 65, 72 until his brothers, sisters, neices, nephews, his own children and grand children started catching up with him, then he would move up to the next age category. It wasn't until he turned ninety and began revealing the truth of his age that he accepted and embraced the blessing of being a part of the "Elite Club." Over the years, he also embraced the role of the patriarch and leader of the Lawson-Lewis family - and served that role well.
From an early age he would eat sweets from the raising of the sun, to the going down of the same. Because he had such a love for any and all kinds of sweets, he was given the title "The Sneaking Deacon." The saints would slip him sweets on a regular bases. Even when it was suggested by his doctor that he cut back on sweets for his health sake, he had a covert mission going on. Certain saints would bring him carefully concealed packages that he would slip under his seat at church. When the coast was clear, he would pull it out, tuck it under his arm, and make his way out of the sanctuary in hopes of not getting caught by his daughter. His mission (and he chose to accept it) was to get the package to a secured location so that he could experience the sweet taste of accomplishment!
Robert was preceded in death by his father, Charles Lawson, mother, Ida Mae Lawson-Lewis; brothers: Thomas Coleman, David Patterson, James Magazine, Roosevelt Lawson, Archie, Luke and Clyde. Sisters: Madalin McQueen, Maggie Harvin, Eula Bethea, Ida Davis Smith, Parrlee Lewis, and grand daughter, Dionesha Antoinette Clarke.
The joy of his life was his family. He leaves to cherish his memory, loyal son, Vincente (Angela) Lawson, Charlotte, NC, loving daughter, Clytemnestra (Timothy) Clarke, Columbus, OH, grandchildren, Terrell (Gabrielle) Lawson, Albany, GA, Joscelyn Clarke, Columbus, OH, only surviving brother, John Lewis, Leonia, New Jersey, great-grandchildren, Jabari Lawson, Te'jah Lawson, Ryan Clarke, and London Logan, special niece, YoLanda Lewis, Columbus, OH, special family friends, Dwayne Washington (the other Vincente) and Pamela Clarke, both of Columbus, OH, and a host of relatives and friends.
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