Justin Lawson

June 20, 2023, Justin William-Paul Lawson suddenly passed away of respiratory failure.

Justin and his identical twin, Jamal, we're born on September 27, 1991 in Shady Grove, MD to the parents of the late Elvin Sr and Lawana Lawson. Justin was Montessori early childhood educated. Later, he attended Yorktown Elementary, Tasker Middle School, Florida Air Academy (Melbourne, FL), and Bowie High School. Justin was gifted with many talents, including swimming and soccer. Justin was an impressive swimmer and trained with the Young Olympians program at the Navy Academy in Annapolis, MD. Justin loved the Pittsburg Steeler, especially Jerome Bettis.  Justin loved hats,  and you could call him the hat man.  Justin had two very favorite passions. One was playing the bass clarinet, but he could play any wind instrument, including the Biblical shofar. His second passion was cooking. Justin was a chef who also loved training other chefs. He could take three foods and make a delicious gourmet meal. 

Justin had a special bond with his twin brother, Jamal, and big brother, Elvin Jr. Justin and Jamal spoke in their own language up until they were three years old. Sometimes, Elvin Jr would interpret it for mom and dad. Justin and his brothers were extremely close. 

Justin loved people and would check on his friends and others to ensure they were well. He never made an enemy. Justin sparkled with joy and had an infectious and eternal smile. Justin was a peace-maker and a friend to the underdogs, friendless, outcasts, overlooked, hurt, lost, and marginalized. He saw good in all!

Most importantly, Justin loved God and was a Believer in Jesus Christ. He wanted people to know and believe in Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives. Even as a youth, Justin led and won many to Jesus, including his mother and brothers. Justin often said, “Heaven is real and hell is real too! I choose the heavenly God in Jesus Christ.” Justin never wavered from his belief in Jesus Christ. His heart's desire was all would come to know Jesus and be saved, so they could spend eternity in heaven!  

Justin William-Paul Lawson leaves in remembrance his daughter, Naliyah; his mother, Lawana Lawson;  brothers, Elvin and Jamal (Justin’s identical twin);  sisters,  Zionne Akpan (Daniel) and Meteka Pressley;   uncles,  Mordecai Lawson (Karen) and  Kelvin Lawson (late Andrea); and a host of cousins, loved ones, and friends.