Audrey Ella Lawson

Audrey Ella Lawson, daughter of the late Edgar Nathaniel and Rosie Ellen (Hammonds) Middleton, was born June 27, 1934, in Mountain Grove, Missouri, and passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 14, 2019 at her home in Mountain Grove. She was 85 years and 17 days of age.

Audrey was united in marriage to Harold Lawson on May 22, 1953, and enjoyed nearly 54 years of marriage, which produced three children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. The Lawson house was the joyous site of countless family occasions, with Audrey’s welcoming hospitality, razor sharp wit, and unwavering acceptance at its core.

She will be remembered as a spitfire humorist – a bright light who could warm any conversation, who was beloved to her friends, and friendly to everyone without exception. She loved singing and had a gift for harmony, frequently being heard vocalizing old country or Gospel tunes as she worked. Her cooking was renowned, with friends and family often dropping by just to see what she had in the skillet.

Audrey was saved and baptized at a young age and remained a shining example of true Christian faithfulness throughout her life. She believed that outreach begins with love, and she never shied away from opening her home or her arms to any person seeking grace. As a devout member of Willow Springs Free Will Baptist Church of Mountain Grove, she was active in most church activities and well-loved by the congregation – young and old.

Besides her parents, Audrey was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Lawson, beloved son, Gregory Gene Lawson, two brothers, Ray Middleton and Charles Middleton, one sister, Letha Fry, and one brother-in-law, Jack Dale.

Audrey is survived by one son, Kerry Lawson and wife Marilyn, of Chestnutridge, Missouri, one daughter, Jennifer Harker and husband Kevin, of Mountain Grove; five grandchildren, Jonathan Lawson and wife Cassandra, Seth Harker and wife Jaime, Rachel (Harker) Riggs and husband Zach, Jordan Lawson, and Aaron Harker; five great-grandchildren, Trace Harker, Karsyn Harker, Brody Riggs, Jett Riggs, and Roman Riggs; two sisters, Betty (Middleton) Dale and Patricia (Middleton) Evans and husband Jim; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

The Lawson family would like to offer our heart-felt and sincerest thanks to Deanna Thompson, Joe Golden, Tammi Gaddis, and the entire staff of Country Living Assisted Living for their care and compassion towards Audrey during her stay. We would also like to give special thanks to Hospice Compassus, friends Rhonda Coble and Melinda Mowry, the Willow Springs Free Will Baptist Church congregation, as well as her caring and friendly neighbors at Country Living. Your acts of selfless kindness will forever be appreciated.

Memorial contributions may be made to Country Living Assisted Living in care of the funeral home.