Charlene (Char) Lawson

Charlene was born October 27, 1935 in Southgate, KY. Char was the daughter of Charles & Mildred Benzing. She graduated from Newport HS in 1953 and married her husband Andrew “Jack” Lawson in 1954. Jack preceded her in death on June 16, 2000.

Char possessed a remarkable gift for music, which she shared generously through her life. She played piano, organ, violin and percussion, directed choirs, sang, danced, teaching both children and adults. Wherever she lived, she brought her musical talents to her community.

Throughout their lives, Char and Jack made homes in KY, OH, NM, CA, IL, FL and MI, and along the way they explored the world together - visiting China, Russia and the Caribbean islands.

She was a devoted member of Hazel Crest United Methodist Church in IL and later the First Presbyterian church in Coldwater, MI and directed choirs for both.

Char’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her sons, Brian (Tamra) Lawson of Park Hills, KY and Craig (Tammy) Lawson of Carmel, IN; her grandchildren Ben (Sally) Lawson, Greg (Emily) Lawson and Andrew Lawson; and her great-grandchildren Beatrice, Jack, Cora and Annabelle Lawson. She is also survived by many cousins via her beloved Aunt Lorean Downs.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.