MIRIAM LAWSON

1935 - 2021

LAWSON, Miriam Ellen, age 86, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2021. She was born in April 1935 in Indiana to Thomas and Alice Lawson. Throughout her life, Miriam was an educator and fierce advocate for human rights, civil rights and justice for persecuted humanity. She believed education was important for a good life and will be remembered for her decades of coaching, mentoring and teaching young people all over the country. In her unassuming way, Miriam modeled what she inspired young girls and boys to later become -- self-assured, bright, change-makers who took calculated risks and broke barriers. She was a graduate of Georgetown University School of Law (JD 1981), Butler University (MS 1963) and University of Nebraska (BS 1960). For many years Miriam worked in the Community Relations Division of the US Justice Department. She was known for her advocacy for community empowerment, immigrant rights and conflict resolution strategies from Washington, DC to Michigan and California to Miami, Haiti and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. She was a member of the Washington DC Bar Association, Georgetown University Alumnae Association, Maryland State Teachers Association, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Miriam loved to travel and lived in many different regions of the U.S., but wherever she made her home she was sure to contribute to the community. She served on numerous boards including North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University Strategic Advisory Board, Hoke County-Blue Springs Community Development Corp, and co-founder of Miami Love in Florida. Miriam was a spiritual leader and introduced her family and friends to eastern philosophy, herbal medicine, Buddhism, Reiki and many metaphysical teachings. In North Carolina she realized her dream to develop a spiritual retreat called Elm Forest where people came to seek spiritual guidance, listen to Miriam play the crystal bowls and walk the labyrinth. Miriam was a pioneer and always on the forefront when it came to women's rights, individually contributing with her own career and helping to widen the road for future generations of women entering the profession. Her life was a living example of someone who radiates love and care in her professional and creative endeavors, from an inner source of spirituality and firm moral principles. Miriam left a legacy for her family and will be forever cherished by her son, Frederick Cravens and his wife Yvette, daughter Felice Summers Boyd, grandchildren Asha Michelle Wilson and Marcus Cravens and wife Kristy, and sister Avril Holeyfield. Also lovingly survived by nephews and nieces, in-laws and a host of friends, including church and drum circle peers. She leaves a sisterhood of kindred spirits. All of us she loved and touched deeply. A virtual memorial service celebrating Miriam's life will be held at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 23, 2021. Email miriamlawsonmemorial@gmail.com for information.