Services will be Monday, July 10, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church for Deacon Willie Fred Lawson, 92, of Youngstown, who transitioned to his Heavenly home on Monday, July 3, 2017.

Deacon Lawson was born September 18, 1924 in Jackson, Georgia, a son of Robert Lee and Mary Barkley Lawson.  He had been a bricklayer with U. S. Steel Corporation for 38 years, retiring in 1981.  A faithful and devoted child of God, Deacon Lawson was a member of Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, where he also served as a trustee, and a member of the N.A.A.C.P.  He enjoyed traveling, loved basedball, and was an avid Cleveland Indians fan. 

He leaves to mourn his passing, but rejoice in his peace, six children, Isaac Black of Youngstown, Mary Eley of Riverdale, GA, Linda Lawson Washington (James) of Decatur, GA, Gwen (David) Sewell of Warren, Andrew Lawson of Florida, and Barbara Jean Lawson of Atlanta, GA; and adopted son, Charles Fitzpatrick of Youngstown; 24 grandchildren; 48 great grandchildren; 13 great great grandchildren; 5 great-great-great grandchildren; his companion, Norma Jean Smith of Youngstown; a host of beloved nieces and nephews, including very special nieces, Nellie Stodghill and Sonya Gamble, and nephew, Wilson Foster; and other family and friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wives Ellen McDaniel Lawson whom he married November 1, 1944 and who passed away August 4, 1993; and Eva Burt Lawson whom he married in October 1995 and who passed away January 19, 2002; two sons, Jerome and Ronald Lawson; 10 siblings; 5 grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.

Friends may call Monday from 10:00 – 11:00 at the church.  Arrangements were entrusted to the care of the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.