Sylvia Leanna Lawson

94. She was born March 16, 1925 in Holden, West Virginia to Morris Leon Bailey, Sr. and Willie Cleo (Reaves) Bailey. Both parents passed away when Sylvia was only a child. Her dad in a coal mining accident and her mother from an illness. Mother, Willie Cloe, on her death bed, admonished her children to ''Meet me in heaven''. Those words were implanted in Sylvia's young 7-year-old mind. Resulting in Sylvia living her life with a determination to go to heaven once again meet her mother. Thoughts of which Sylvia had up to her final days.

As the family of five was relocated to Greenville, Georgia, Sylvia and her siblings were raised by family members. Sylvia attended Primrose School. Being a good student in spelling and writing, she always had a desire to do well and attend college. As a young woman, Sylvia developed many talents as a writer, seamstress, and enjoyed cooking. Leaving Georgia at the tender age of 18, she moved to Washington DC, where she met and married Fredrick (Fred) Edwards. The couple was blessed with two children; David Leon and Gwendolyn Marie during that union. While living in DC and studying bible lessons with the Voice of Prophecy, Sylvia joined the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) denomination and attended First Church (Dupont), then Ephesus SDA Church, and Bethel SDA Church after moving to New York, and attended Normandie Avenue among other SDA churches in California.

While now a young single mother, Sylvia worked at Robert Hall making men's suits. Years later moving to Los Angeles, California, Sylvia's dream came true when she attended college, earning an AA in Early Childhood Education, South West Junior College; and a B.S. degree in Child Development, California State University, Los Angeles. She was an outstanding teacher and taught young children for many years.

Sylvia was a prayer warrior and an active member of her church. She loved the Lord and enjoyed studying the bible. She was full of knowledge and had a way of connecting with people. Many knew her as Aunt Sylvia and others affectionately called her “Grandma”. Several people, especially young women, respected her wisdom and spiritual advice. She was involved and faithful in several activities in the church, such as a choir member, Sabbath School teacher, Sabbath School Superintendent, Church Clerk, and church Elder of Mid-City SDA church, then Mid-City Central SDA church, and Juniper Avenue SDA, churches in Los Angeles and Fontana, California respectively.

Sylvia met Oliver Henry Lawson and they were married, sharing many memories together. Sylvia was a great wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and she loved her family. She was an inspiration to so many people. Her Christian life and spiritual influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her dearest siblings: Emanuel Bailey, Margaret Bailey Reeves, Alonzo Bailey, and Edith Bailey Dotson; beloved son, David Leon Edwards and devoted husband Oliver Henry Lawson. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her

loving daughter: Gwen (David) Golson; grandchildren: Kayleigh Edwards, Kyle Golson, Preston

(Laurie) Golson, Michael Edwards, Sean Edwards, Jonathan Edwards, and Robin Edwards; great­ grandchild, Elijah Golson; sisters-in-law: Unzel Lawson Thomas, and Mae Bell Edwards Goodson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and close friends.

Repast – following the Celebration of Life ◦Golson/Edwards Residence:

2560 Manor Creek Ct

Cumming, GA 30041

678-513-4837 Home

678-928-1449 Gwen

614-296-9136 David