With hope in the Resurrection, Shirlee Tye Lawson fell asleep in the Lord on September 3, 2022 at the age of 87. For the past six years she lived in Madison, Mississippi and previously in Raymond, Mississippi.
Shirlee was born in Waldo, Arkansas and was the only child of Jeroline and A.G. Tye. She married her best friend and dance partner Alvis Earl Lawson, Sr. in 1952 after graduating from Sapulpa High School in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. They eventually moved to the Jackson, Mississippi area in 1954.
Shirlee spent her lifetime raising her children, homemaking and celebrating her blessings in Jesus Christ. She was an active volunteer in many local organizations, including the Governor’s Mansion Docent Organization, Daughters of the American Revolution serving as Regent 2000-2002, Meadowbrook Church of Christ, Raymond Methodist Church, Friends of Raymond, the Raymond Culture Club and the Raymond Garden Club.
Shirlee was an avid bridge player for most of her life and a member of several Jackson area bridge clubs. She loved traveling and enjoyed seeing most of America, Central America and parts of Europe. She loved studying scripture, gardening and bird watching, especially hummingbirds. Her cooking was exceptional, except for simple toasted bread which she often burned.
Shirlee was a friend and mentor to many. She was loyal to those she felt were slighted and defended many who were alone. She continually searched ways to improve herself and to be a Christian influence on those around her. She sought the positive and laughed often. She maintained devoted friendships for years and developed new friendships regularly. Her children and their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren found her an inspirational and trustworthy counselor. She attributed much of the positive relationships to prayer. She will be greatly missed by many.
Shirlee was preceded in death by her parents and husband Earl. She leaves five children - Vickie Fletcher (Craig) of Madison, Ronda Densford (Jimmy) of Jacksonville, FL, Aleesa Connell (Daniel) of Madison, MS, Alvis Earl, Jr. (Cathy) of Raymond and Laine Craft (Steve) of Brewton, AL. She also has 17 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren she leaves as part of her legacy.
After a family graveside service, a Celebration of Life reception will be held at the Summertree Clubhouse, 100 Woodgreen Drive, Madison from 2:00 until 3:30.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Shirlee’s memory may be made to The Arthritis Foundation, Friends of Raymond, Stewpot Community Services or your favorite charity.
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