Irene Lawson

Irene Lawson was born on November 9, 1929, in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Pearl Crockett and Harold Tate in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the firstborn of four children, including Charles Tate, Josh Roberts, and Mary Bentry. Her stepfather was Samuel Whitehead.

Irene married the love of her life, L. B. Lawson, on January 29, 1949, and together they built a loving home. Their union was blessed with three children: Kathryn “Candy”, Camilla “Millie”, and Frederick “Ricky”.

Irene was baptized and accepted her Lord and Savior at an early age. She confessed unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She deeply loved God and her church family. A faithful servant. She worked as a nurse, an usher, in the nursery, and she was on the Mother’s Board. She was an active member of Gates of Zion Temple Church under the leadership of Pastor Nathaniel Warren.

Irene attended Saint Louis Public Schools and went on to build a remarkable career. She was employed by the United States Army for 40 years as an Inventory Management Specialist until her retirement. Even in retirement, her passion for staying engaged was steadfast as she worked for Saint Louis Public Schools and various companies.

Irene was deaf. She was hard-working, determined, and motivated, and never used her deafness as an excuse not to succeed. She was well known for her warmth, kindness, and generosity.

Irene found joy in attending church, dining out, going to exercise classes at the Y.M.C.A., shopping, walking her dog “Mikki”, and watching movies in her free time. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, siblings, husband, children Kathryn and Frederick, and grandchild Kylend.

Irene leaves to cherish her memory: Her loving and devoted daughter, Camilla “Millie”. Her grandchildren: Sanette “Missy” and Randy “Kia”. Her great–grandchildren: Shanese “Cookie” (Winston), Shamond, Shanell, MaKayla “Kayla”, and her great-great-grandchildren, Kenyon, Kamden, Khloe, Kylend, and Journie. Her sister-in-law, Ernestine Tate, and best friend and sister in Christ, Alma Hunt, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, pastors, and neighbors.

Irene was loved by all who were blessed to know her. The thoughts of her selfless acts and sweet spirit will be left to her countless family and friends.