Joy Lawson

Joy Lois Lawson was born January 5, 1932, to Fred Alcide and Lois Lawson in Colon Panama. Here is where she completed her primary education and then went on to graduate from Connor Cristobal High School. Joy was a kind, caring, funny, loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt (Tia), and friend. During her years in Panama, she was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church where she displayed her talents for the Lord by singing in the choir and assisted her mother with operating and selling baked goods from the family store front.

After the birth of her son, Joy embarked on a new adventure by migrating to the United States in 1958, to reside in Brooklyn, New York. A self-determined and industrious young woman, Joy continued to pursue her education and talents in computer science, data entry, sewing, and applied design. Joy ultimately settled into a career with the New York City Transit Authority as a clerk. She gave birth to her daughter shortly after and continued in this occupation until she retired in 1987.

In 1989, she relocated to Riverdale, Georgia, with her mother and daughter, to enjoy her retirement surrounded by family. Joy lived up to and embodied her name -JOY! She enjoyed social engagements, her smile would light up any room she entered, her laughter was contagious, and people were drawn to her because of her sincerity, strength, quick wit, and transparency.

Joy attended Riverdale First United Methodist Church, was active in the community, and demonstrated an undeniable love for family. She loved to sing, garden, and “raise” her wide variety of plants. She would also say her plants were her children and her love made them flourish. She joyously welcomed, was present for and participated in the birth and nurture of her grandchildren and great granddaughter.

Joy Lois Lawson leaves precious memories in the heart of her son: Daniel Augustin Roberts, daughter: Jewell Nadine Pollard (Charlot), sister: Pancy May Lawson Scroggins, Grandchildren: Rochelle Nadine Cherestal, Gabriel Charles Cherestal, Great Granddaughter: April Nadine Cherestal, nieces: Kimberly Bynoe (Stephen), Keatley Scroggins, nephew: David Wayne Scroggins II (Deana), a host of extended family members and friends.

May the spirit of Joy live on in your heart and actions and foster enduring bonds within every relationship.

A visitation for Joy will be held Friday, December 8, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 5755 Mallory Road, College Park, GA 30349, followed by a funeral from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.