Willard Jerome Lawson Sr.'s Obituary
Willard J. Lawson passed away peacefully on January 27, 2022, at the age of ninety-five in Sacramento, California. He loved life and often told his family and friends he would live to one hundred years old, as though he knew he would live a long life despite his lengthy battle with prostate cancer. He was born on March 24, 1926, in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, and migrated to Sacramento, California, with his brothers, Mansfield Lawson, Jr., and Joseph Lawson, Sr. after they served in WWII and finished their naval and army careers.
Willard was the son of the Reverend Mansfield Lawson, Sr., and Elnora Belle. They had four children: Mansfield Lawson (deceased); Sr., Willard Lawson; Amanda Lawson Eaton (deceased); and Joseph Lawson Sr. (deceased). His older brothers Milton Belle (deceased) and Lawrence Bell (deceased) were from his mother’s first marriage. Reverend Lawson operated his own business, Lawson Shoe Hospital; and built the modern Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Donaldsonville, which was first established in the 1880’s. Along with his brothers Mansfield and Joseph, Willard re-established Lawson Shoe Hospital in the Oak Park neighborhood of Sacramento.
Willard became the self-appointed historian of the family, safeguarding memories and photos of his siblings and relatives on the walls of his home—a treasured “Lawson Family Museum” for all to see and learn about their roots. Photos and mementos in his care included pictures of his great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and other members of the family tree. He was also a member of the Ten Just Men civic and social club established by his brother Joseph that hosted events such as the Sacramento Black Exposition and Mardi Gras Balls in Sacramento and the surrounding areas.
Willard graduated from Lowery Training School in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, where he learned carpentry and other building trades. He used these skills to become a career employee at McClelland Air Force Base in Sacramento until he retired. From his mom, he acquired a love of numbers, puzzles and playing Bingo—his favorite pastime. He became a member of Saint Paul Catholic Church in South Sacramento.
Willard and his wife Euretha Patterson Lawson (deceased) had five children: David Lawson; Gary Lawson (deceased); twins Wendell Lawson (deceased) and Willard Lawson Jr.; and Patricia Lawson King. Later in life, Willard’s daughter, Tracy Lawson entered the family. Willard was also married to Clothilde Harris (deceased) and Eura Lawson (deceased). Willard is survived by his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of family friends. His careful family legacy preservation and laughter will be missed.
Visitation will be held on February 23rd, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The funeral will be held on Thursday, February 24th, at 10 a.m. at Sunset Lawn Chapel of the Chimes, 4701 Marysville, Blvd., Sacramento, California, followed immediately by interment.
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