Obituary of Betty Lou Lawson

Betty Lou Peyton Lawson, 75, of Roanoke, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 31, 2015. She was preceded in death by her father, Rev. Harry R. Peyton, mother, Madeline Willey Peyton, brother, Billy Ray Peyton, and twin sister, Bonnie Sue Peyton Hay. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Jack Lawson, daughter and son-in-law, Kathy (Karl) Holbrook of Washington Courthouse, Ohio; and son, Lee Lawson of Austin, Texas. One of Betty's greatest joys was her granddaughters, Holly and Hannah Holbrook. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Brenda (Ross) Slater of Amelia Island, Florida; brother and sister-in-law, Rev. Ben (Jozan) Peyton of Roanoke; and many cousins, nieces and nephews, and too many friends to count. Betty Lou was a loving wife, mother and grandmother that will be dearly missed. Born in Hinton, West Virginia, she was the daughter of a preaching evangelist. She spent most of her life caring for and serving others in various ways. Betty Lou and Jack had an active music ministry for over 50 years. Her home, and kitchen, were always open to all that visited. Her cooking was enjoyed by all, especially her turkey rolls, sweet potato casserole, macaroni salad, cheese ball, and coconut cake. Many of Kathy and Lee's childhood friends grew up to look at Betty Lou as their "other" mother. Betty Lou was an active member of Calvary Tabernacle, established by her father, and later Roanoke Valley Baptist Temple. The family would like to thank the staff of Friendship Retirement Center and Rehab and Carilion Hospice for all of the loving care that they provided Betty Lou during her stay. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be made to Carilion Hospice Services. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road by the Rev. Terry Mabrey, the Rev. Ben Peyton, and the Rev. John Pfeifer. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home. 366-0707