Harriett Jane Lawson, 82, died peacefully on January 15, 2017 at her daughter’s home surrounded by loving family in Fairbanks, Alaska. Jane was born August 23, 1934, in Louisiana, Missouri and raised in Elsberry, Missouri, the only child of Joseph Eugene Langford and Winnifred Whiteside Langford.
Jane absolutely loved her family and friends. She was a master gardener and enjoyed sewing, cooking, entertaining, and singing. Life as an officer’s wife was extremely busy but it did offer extensive travel across the United States and Europe. Later in life, she volunteered as a docent in the Historic Christ Church in Weems, VA.
Jane graduated from Kirkwood High School (Go Pioneers!) in 1952 and attended Ohio University where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority. It was at Ohio University where she met her future husband, Robert Allen Lawson, a marriage that lasted fifty-seven years.
Jane and Bob married in 1955 and upon completion of his MBA, they embarked on a long life together. Jane gave service to her country by supporting Bob with his Army career as an officer and pilot and raised their family alone while Bob completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. While the children continued to grow and the family relocated every year, Jane still found time to mentor young officer’s wives, participate and volunteer in church activities, community events and a variety of clubs. Jane and Bob worked hard all of their lives to ensure that each of their children and grandchildren had the opportunity to advance their education.
Jane was a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist in Marshall, Virginia and Kilmarnock United Methodist Church in Kilmarnock. She sang in both choirs.
Jane is survived by her son, Joseph Lawson of Crozet, VA and his partner Claudia Hohl and his children, Sean and partner Maddie Boyd, Hannah and Riley; daughter, Virginia Hammack of Toano, VA, son-in-law Greg Hammack, and their children Bob and Jacob; daughter, Kathryn Craft of Fairbanks, AK, son-in-law Michael Craft, and their children Joshua and wife Stephanie; Zachery and wife Sarah and sons Chace and Drake; Michaela and husband Edward and daughter Zooey; and Matthew Craft and wife Stephanie; daughter, Melinda Swedenburg of Amissville, VA, son-in-law Rodger Swedenburg, and their children Lauren, Tyler, Katherine, and Brian.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, son, Robbie Lawson and grandson Thomas Sauerwald.
A service will be held at 11 am, Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Kilmarnock United Methodist Church in Kilmarnock followed by a graveside service at the Grafton Christian Church in Yorktown. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged for Grafton Christian Church, 109 Brick Church Road,Yorktown, VA, 23692.