Violet Lawley

Violet Breedlove Lawley, age 86, left this world on March 19, 2011 at Sherwood Place, Odessa, TX.

She was born April 19, 1924 to Randolph Breedlove and Maggie Willis Breedlove in McLennan County, Texas. She graduated from Riesel High School, Riesel, TX.

She married the love of her life, George Parks Lawley on June 3, 1950 in Carlsbad, New Mexico. They lived and worked in Odessa until 1989. George worked for and retired from Shorty Hall Rig Company. Violet was office manager for Cody and Teague for 25 years. George served in World War II, in the U.S. Army, 2nd Battalion, and 131st Field Artillery. He survived 4 years in a Japanese Prisoner of War camp and was a member of the Lost Battalion.

In 1989, George and Violet retired to De Cordoba Bend Estates, Granbury, Texas. In 2005, they moved back to Odessa where they lived first at Lincoln tower and then at Sherwood Place.

Violet enjoyed painting watercolors and making pottery. She studied art at Odessa College and took many watercolor workshops. She was active in the Odessa Art Association and Watercolor Horizons for several years. After moving to Granbury, she enjoyed golfing with the Women’s Golf Association. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Violet was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, George P. Lawley; her parents, Randolph and Maggie Willis Breedlove; 2 brothers, Randy Breedlove and Morris Breedlove; and one sister, Shirley Anthon.

She is survived by one sister, Margie Wagner, Odessa, TX; one brother, Dwayne Breedlove of Bosqueville, TX and the following nephews and nieces: Connie Mendez, Midland, TX; John Wagner, Woodville, MS; Kevin Breedlove; Scott Breedlove; Valerie Breedlove; Elaine Breedlove, and Robin Anthon. She and George were close to his nieces and nephews who include: Rachel Ann Green, Fort Davis, TX; Martha Kay Brennan, Whitefish, MT; Patricia Andrews, Grand Prairie, TX; Linda George, Stewart, FL; Pauline Sudduth, Shreveport, LA; Mary Rachel Ertel, Zwolle, LA; Henry Painter, Ft. Worth, TX; Bill Painter, Ft. Worth, TX; Edward Lawley, Covington, LA; and Steven Lawley, Chesapeake, VA.

No services are planned. Violet has donated her body to Texas Tech University Medical School just as, George did upon his death January 26, 2010. Their remains will be interred at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at a later date.

Heartfelt thanks go to Comfort Keepers staff for their loving care and kindness to Violet in the last year of her life; to Dr. Chau Le at Texas Tech University; and to Compass Hospice caregivers and staff.

Memorials may be made to Compass Hospice, 1330 East 8th St. Suite 410, Odessa, TX 79761; to Odessa College Scholarship Fund, 201 West University, Odessa, TX 79762 or to the National Alzheimer’s Association.

Services are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.