Jean (Smith) Lawson

Jean Lawson, age 88 of Elkhart, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 7, 2024, while at the Caring Junction home in Mishawaka.  Jean was born February 23, 1936, in Elkhart, Indiana to the late Clarence and Odie (Goldy) Smith.  She married Coy Edwards in 1951.  He preceded her in death in April of 1987.  Later, Jean married Rev. Johnny Lawson on July 3, 1988.  Johnny preceded her in death in May of 2022.

She is survived by her children Timothy Edwards, Daniel (Carolyn) Edwards, Loretta (Lydia) Edwards, and Tina Zimmerman.  Surviving as well are her stepdaughters Pamela, Laura and Angela.  Jean is also survived by her siblings Audrey Metzger and Leona (Bob) Badour, 6 grandchildren: Justin (Jamie) Edwards, Leslie (Justin) Sterzik, Amy (Tekie) Edwards, Bryan (Cody Thomas) Phillips, Ryne Phillips and Christina (Rob) Sutton along with her great grandchildren: Brandon, Rhea, Zac, Josh, Jason, Michelle, Nick, Parker, Macayla and several great-great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by 11 siblings, her son in law Dave Zimmerman, her grandson Kevin Edwards, and her great grandson Robbie Sutton.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the 12pm funeral service on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Victory Chapel Church, 30898 County Road 20, Osceola, IN 46561. Interment will follow in Prairie Street Cemetery, Elkhart.

Jean was employed for several years as a waitress at the Thunderbird Restaurant in Mishawaka before taking a position with MorFab, where she was loved by her friends and co-workers.  In her spare time, she enjoyed playing cards and BINGO, visiting the casino and going for rides around the area in her car. 

Jean loved to go out to lunch with her son Tim at Curve Cafe and frequently enjoyed the wonderful Italian food and warmth of the staff at DaVinci’s in Elkhart for dinners with family.  She also loved spending time with her family at cookouts in the summer and around the dinner table on every holiday.

More than anything, Jean loved the Lord. She was a longtime member of Victory Chapel Church and supported her husband’s ministry in every way possible.

Jean’s family would like to give special thanks to Risa and the entire staff at Caring Junction for the care given to her during her time in their care.  To light a virtual candle, share a story of Jean’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.

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