Johnnye Cannon Lawson

Johnnye Cannon Lawson, 77, of Houston, Texas departed this life on Friday, March 1, 2024 in the comforts of her home. Her unyielding devotion to her faith and family were the cornerstones of her life.

She was born July 15, 1946 in Tulsa, Oklahoma as the eldest daughter of the late Johnnye Mozell Cannon (Mitchell) and Nathaniel Cyrus Cannon.

Johnnye had a loving childhood as she grew up with her older brothers, the late Henry Charles Cannon (‘Hank’) and the late Nathaniel Cyrus Cannon, and her younger sister Mildred Cannon Wallace (‘Millie’). She and her siblings grew up in both Tulsa, Oklahoma and at their family’s ranch in Muskogee, Oklahoma surrounded by animals and nature.

After graduating from Manual Training High School, she went on to attend college at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. While attending college, she met her husband and soulmate, the late Daniel Christopher Lawson of Louisville, Kentucky. They eventually moved from Oklahoma to Houston, Texas where she was a cum laude graduate from Texas Southern University with a B.A. in psychology before attending the University of Houston Law Center. She played a pivotal role in the success of Lawson National Distributing Company. She was a long standing member of the historic St. James’ Episcopal Church and the Houston Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Her unwavering commitment and love of God was ever present in her life and the foundation on which she firmly stood. She always looked to God for guidance and was grateful no matter the situation or circumstance - a true servant of the Lord.

She enjoyed singing with her angelic voice. She was an avid reader of scripture and spiritual books. You could often find her in her kitchen cooking healthy meals, taking long afternoon walks or conversing with friends and family. She adored her pets (Lollipop and Licorice) and her passion for animals and entrepreneurial spirit inspired her to start her own pet sitting service ‘A Blissful Pet’ later in life.

Johnnye cherished her beautiful relationship with her only son, Daniel Russell Lawson and her granddaughters Hannah Lawson Ambrose (Hilary Ambrose) and Farryl Christina Lawson. She is also survived by her sister Mildred Cannon Wallace, her nephews Kenneth Wallace, Keith Wallace, Jason Wallace, Lance Wallace, Nathanial Cannon, Derek Taylor, Adam Taylor, her niece Nicky Cannon, her godson Christopher Scott and great-nieces and great-nephews.

A celebration of life for Johnnye will be held Friday, March 8, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Forest Park Westheimer, 12800 Westheimer Rd., Houston, Texas 77077.