Phyllis Edna Doster Lawson

Phyllis Doster Lawson passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Monday morning, February 23rd, 2015 following a fight with cancer. She was born in Kalamazoo Michigan on April 11, 1934 and was the youngest of five Doster children, (Ken, Cap, Charlotte, Phil, and Phyllis). She attended Oklahoma College for Women and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. She moved to Coolidge, Arizona to begin her career as a teacher. In 1965 Phyllis married Richard (Dic) Lawson. Soon after they moved to Salida, Colorado where they had 3 kids, Charlotte, Rich, and Marie. After a few years in Salida, they moved to Brigham City, Utah, where Richard was the pastor of a local Presbyterian congregation. They spent 16 wonderful years there and made lifelong friends. In 1989 the Lawsons moved to Seattle. It was in Seattle that Phyllis continued to serve. She loved people and it showed in how she lived out her life. She spent many years helping to settle refugee families in the Seattle area as a relocation coordinator for Lutheran Refugee Services. In addition she and her husband, Richard Lawson, had many international students stay with them over the years, which included students from Japan, China, Thailand, Korea, and around the globe. She spent two summers in Romania where she developed a strong bond for the people there, especially the children. They held a very special place in her heart. Phyllis found great joy in being able to serve. She had a heart of kindness and compassion and brought a bright smile everywhere she went. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Richard, and her four children, Charlotte, Rich, Marie, Paul, and five grandchildren. Despite her body being ravaged by cancer and other ailments, Phyllis was mentally and spiritually strong to the end. We all miss her deeply. A Celebration of her Life will be held at Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 11th at 11 am. April 11 is Phyllis’ birthday.