Sissy was born and raised in Austin, TX, the daughter of Elizabeth Penn Johnson and Judge Thomas E. Johnson. She had two brothers, Marion Johnson and Penn Johnson. Fondest memories of childhood included spending time with the many cousins who lived in the neighborhood, and spending time at Camp Waloa on Cypress Creek in Wimberly, first as a camper and then as a counselor. She attended Austin High School and after graduating in 1952, attended the University of Texas where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Communications.
Sissy was a gifted piano and organ player, her first professional accompaniment jobs starting at thirteen years old. She accompanied hundreds of young Austinites throughout the years at junior high and high school UIL solo & ensemble competitions. She also played for churches, weddings, and organized many Lawshae family performances at the Austin Women’s Club and various other venues.
Sissy was a lifelong teacher with a great love of helping people. In her earlier years she was a babysitter, a camp counselor, and an English teacher. She was a gifted swimming teacher for over forty years, teaching babies, children and adults alike. She taught First Aid, Water Safety and Lifesaving for the American Red Cross, preparing many of Austin’s lifeguards for duty. She was a Girl Scout troop leader and was very active in the Lone Star Girl Scout Council. Every young instrument player that she accompanied also got some of the Sissy Lawshae wisdom and compassion.
Sissy was an important and beloved member of the Austin Women’s Club for many years. She became their Filming Liaison, revising the Club’s bylaws to allow film crews access to the beautiful historic building. She was a founding member of the Austin A Z chapter of P.E.O., which celebrates the educational advancement of women.
With ex-husband Allen Lawshae, Sissy bore and raised five children: Keith, Charlotte, Tom, Julia, and Karen. The years were filled with camping trips, sports games, musical performances, school projects, and lots & lots of driving! She never missed a school play or band/orchestra concert ; she was always there to support her children. She would also “adopt” anyone that needed help or support, making them “just another one of my kids.” She always had an extra place at her table for anyone who needed somewhere to go for the holidays. She was a warm and compassionate listener who always gave good advice.
Sissy was preceded in death by her mother Elizabeth Penn Johnson, father Judge Thomas E. Johnson, and brother Marion Johnson. She is survived by her five children: Keith Lawshae, Charlotte Kunz and husband Charlie, Tom Lawshae and wife Laurel, Julia Lawshae and husband Rob Hebert, and Karen Baucum and husband Kevin. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives too numerous to count.
A time of visitation with the family will be on Wednesday June 25,2014 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home at 6100 N Lamar Blvd Austin, TX from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be on Thursday June 26,2014 at 2:00 pm at the University Presbyterian Church on 2203 San Antonio St, Austin, TX; there will be free parking at the University Co-op accross the street.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Austin AZ Chapter of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization). Please make checks payable to: Chapter AZ, PEO. Checks can be mailed to: Carolyn Scott, President, Chapter AZ PEO, 10704 Barnhill Dr., Austin, TX 78758
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