JoAnne Lawson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of JoAnne Lawson, age 97 who left us on January 6, 2026. JoAnne’s journey through life was marked by love, dedication, and unwavering independence and strength.

Born on April 19, 1928, JoAnne grew up in Columbiaville, Lake Orion, and Pontiac, MI. She was the daughter of the late Russell Lorenzo and the late Violet Harroun Hickson. JoAnne developed a passion for music, dance, travel and bowling. JoAnne had a keen sense of fashion and style that reflected the influence of Hollywood glamour and femininity. In her later years her granddaughter Kimmy made sure she maintained this style by purchasing JoAnne’s makeup and clothing. JoAnne was known for her kindness, generosity and hardworking values, and her presence brought joy and comfort to everyone who knew her especially her family and friends. JoAnne began her employment at Michigan Bell Telephone Company in the 1950’s, married and worked a variety of jobs before ending her career in the 1980’s at Innisbrook Golf Resort as a switchboard operator.

JoAnne was the beloved wife of the late Robert Lawson and in her later years a devoted friend to the late John Weaver. She was proud mother to the late Pamela (Tom) Ray, and Gregory Lawson, loving grandmother to Kimmy (Brian) Presson and Jeffrey (Jennifer) Ray, and many other grandchildren and cherished great grandmother to McKenzie Presson, Clark Ray and Avery Ray and numerous great grandchildren near and far. JoAnne was the dear sister to her five siblings; the late Frances (the late Dale) Conn, the late Doris Glee (the late Neil) Fairholm), Lela Gayle (the late Henry) Rugenstein, Karen (Jim) Craft and Russell (Maureen) Hickson. JoAnne took immense pride in her family’s accomplishments and happiness and always encouraged them to follow their own passions.

JoAnne’s legacy will live on through the memories shared by those who knew her. Joanne taught us the importance of kindness, perseverance, and unconditional love. Her spirit will forever remain in our hearts.

May JoAnne rest in peace, knowing she was deeply loved and won’t be forgotten. Russ & Maureen Hickson are eternally grateful that JoAnne entrusted them to care for her the last few years of her life. JoAnne enriched their lives by her sense of humor, trust and compassion to them as well as her fellow friends/staff and residents at Walton Place Assisted Living in Tarpon Springs FL. JoAnne was appreciative of her sister Karen Craft and brother Russell Hickson for making sure she had a comfortable and home environment at Walton Place Assisted Living that allowed her to have privacy and dignity to the end.

A graveside service for JoAnne will be held on February 14 at 11 am at Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens. 4244 Madison Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652.