Obituary for Clara Whitney Lawson
Clara Whitney Lawson, 89, passed away Thursday, March 4, 2021 in her home, surrounded by her family.
Clara was born August 17, 1931 in Vicksburg MS. She grew up in Tuscaloosa AL. Upon graduation she attended Baroness Erlanger School of Nursing in Chattanooga, TN. Soon after graduation she was appointed head nurse. While in Chattanooga, she met and married William (Bill) Lawson and had three daughters. In 1963, Clara and Bill moved the family to Greenville.
Clara worked at Spartanburg Memorial Hospital (now Spartanburg Medical Center) in the Emergency Department and retired after 20 years. She spent her retirement devoted to volunteer work. She volunteered at the Greenville Free Medical Clinic and while a longtime (58 year) member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. She served as an Elder (on Session), a Steven Minister and a volunteer for It's Elementary. She was recognized by the Presbyterian Women with a Lifetime Service Award.
Clara loved when football season rolled around so she could cheer for her beloved Alabama Crimson Tide; she was also a lifelong Atlanta Braves fan and loved music of all kinds. She enjoyed getting together monthly with her Lunch Bunch friends (Jo Sivewright, Dot Elmore, Sue Inman, Eldena Moore, and the late Jean Kilgore).
Clara was predeceased by her husband of nearly 60 years, William O. (Bill) Lawson and daughter Lisa Lawson Haney. She is survived by her daughters, Kelley Lawson Laws (Paul) of Greenville, SC; and Lori Lawson of Alexandria, VA; her sister, Lois W. Graham, Nashville, TN; grandchildren, Joshua Haney (Keisha), Courtney Haney, and Mallory Haney; and great granddaughter, Alaya Ballenger.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her doctor, Dr. Robert W. Dubose for his extremely kind, patient and compassionate care for over 8 1/2 years; also, to Caris Hospice, especially the nurses, for their amazing responsiveness, support and incredibly compassionate care.
A memorial service will be held at a later date due to Covid. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Greenville Free Medical Clinic; the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org); or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Clara was born August 17, 1931 in Vicksburg MS. She grew up in Tuscaloosa AL. Upon graduation she attended Baroness Erlanger School of Nursing in Chattanooga, TN. Soon after graduation she was appointed head nurse. While in Chattanooga, she met and married William (Bill) Lawson and had three daughters. In 1963, Clara and Bill moved the family to Greenville.
Clara worked at Spartanburg Memorial Hospital (now Spartanburg Medical Center) in the Emergency Department and retired after 20 years. She spent her retirement devoted to volunteer work. She volunteered at the Greenville Free Medical Clinic and while a longtime (58 year) member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. She served as an Elder (on Session), a Steven Minister and a volunteer for It's Elementary. She was recognized by the Presbyterian Women with a Lifetime Service Award.
Clara loved when football season rolled around so she could cheer for her beloved Alabama Crimson Tide; she was also a lifelong Atlanta Braves fan and loved music of all kinds. She enjoyed getting together monthly with her Lunch Bunch friends (Jo Sivewright, Dot Elmore, Sue Inman, Eldena Moore, and the late Jean Kilgore).
Clara was predeceased by her husband of nearly 60 years, William O. (Bill) Lawson and daughter Lisa Lawson Haney. She is survived by her daughters, Kelley Lawson Laws (Paul) of Greenville, SC; and Lori Lawson of Alexandria, VA; her sister, Lois W. Graham, Nashville, TN; grandchildren, Joshua Haney (Keisha), Courtney Haney, and Mallory Haney; and great granddaughter, Alaya Ballenger.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her doctor, Dr. Robert W. Dubose for his extremely kind, patient and compassionate care for over 8 1/2 years; also, to Caris Hospice, especially the nurses, for their amazing responsiveness, support and incredibly compassionate care.
A memorial service will be held at a later date due to Covid. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Greenville Free Medical Clinic; the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org); or Shriners Hospitals for Children.