Peggy Jo Bostwick Lawson

Peggy Lawson (Nana), 89 of Abilene, Texas died on Wednesday, April 15, 2021, peacefully in her home surrounded by her children. Graveside service will be held at 11am on Monday, April 19, 2021 at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 US-277 S, Abilene, TX 79606 with Reverend Mike Woodard officiating.

Peggy was born on August 24, 1931 to Mary Elizabeth and James Ester Bostwick in Ben Franklin, Texas. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to West Texas where Peggy grew up and graduated from Wink High School. Peggy met the love of her life, Marvin Lawson, and married on October 2, 1948 in Wink, Texas. They settled to raise their family, daughter Linda and two sons Loyd and Don, in Monahans, Texas. Peggy and Marvin worked, served, and worshiped at Calvary Baptist Church until they relocated to Abilene in 1972 and became members of Southwest Park Baptist Church.

Peggy loved her Lord Jesus Christ, her family, her church family, and friends. She was often found reading God’s Word, and taught the Bible to children, young people, and adults. Her love for the Lord was manifested in the way she treated others, in daily words and selfless deeds, and in her willingness to serve in many capacities, from planting churches in her own communities to global outreach on mission trips abroad. Her faith and prayers shaped her family and others. When raising her children, she would say, “God help me do my best, and you do the rest.” This parenting rhyme was passed down to her grandchildren.

Peggy was a woman of many gifts and generously shared them with family, friends, and strangers alike. She was a talented seamstress. Her granddaughters were the recipients of her “designer” clothing bearing the label “Made with love by Nana,” which they wore with great pride. Her grandsons benefitted from her masterful mending of their jeans as well as their hearts. Peggy was an extraordinary cook, which made time with family and friends special. She brought great joy to friends and family with her famous desserts such as her chocolate sheet cake, deep dish peach cobbler, hot rolls, and homemade vanilla ice cream with her special toppings.

Peggy’s love for her family felt limitless, and she supported her family deeply in all of their endeavors, particularly through sport. Her love of the game of baseball began with cheering on her sons throughout their baseball careers, and overall enjoyment of sports continued with her grandchildren’s participation in baseball, softball, and soccer. Her beautiful smile, sense of humor, and encouraging spirit will be greatly missed.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Marvin Lawson; parents Mary Elizabeth and James Ester Bostwick; her brother John Bostwick; grandson Rob Lawson; daughter-in-law Beverly Lawson; and nephew Larry Lawson.

Peggy is survived by her daughter Linda Noelke and husband, Bill, of San Angelo; two sons, Loyd Lawson of Midland and Don Lawson and wife, Mignon, of Buffalo Gap; sisters Carolyn Sheppard of Abilene and Pat Williford of Euless; grandchildren Rick Lawson and wife, Susan, of Monahans, Brandy Robb and husband, James, of Austin, Jeff Lawson of Midland, Colin Forbes and wife, Chrys, of San Angelo, Robert Noelke and wife, Jackie, of Lake City, Colorado, Rebecca Dalton and husband, Clark, of Houston, Jason Lawson and wife, Ashlyn, of Ft. Worth, Jake Lawson of Anchorage, Alaska; great-granddaughters Shannon Lawson, Lillian Robb, Abbi Roane, Caroline Dalton and Elizabeth Lawson; and great-grandsons Byron and Jackson Scharf, Matthew Robb, Andrew Dalton, James Hobbs, and Robert Haynes Lawson; and many relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Rick Lawson, Jason Lawson, Colin Forbes, Jeff Lawson, Jake Lawson, James Robb, Clark Dalton, and Robert Noelke.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Southwest Park Baptist Church, 2901 S. 20th Street, Abilene, Texas 79605, Kinder Hearts Hospice who dedicated excellent and compassionate care to Peggy, or a charity of choice.