Brenda Joyce Lawson
Edward B and Brenda J Lawson reunited in eternal bliss for all the ages.
Brenda Joyce Lawson, nee Kujansu, 79, passed away on April 26, 2024, under Hospice Care.
Brenda, a loving mother, grandmother, and aunt, fulfilled a lifelong dream when she reached her early 40s and enrolled in the Willoughby-Eastlake School of Practical Nursing. She graduated in 1988 and then went on to work for Lake Hospital System. Her nursing career took her to both Lake East and Lake West hospitals. She retired from nursing in the late 90s.
“Born in Painesville, Ohio,” she is survived by daughters, Karen Jennings, and Belinda (Brett) Watkins, Nicole Brody, and sons, Robert (Tina) Rowe, Frederick (Michelle) Lawson and Edward Lawson Jr., several nieces and nephews, along with 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Brenda's grandsons, Robb and Timothy Carter, along with daughter Karen, and son Fred, as well as great-niece Crystal Beres and loving family friend, Tracee Dennison, count themselves as blessed to have shared her final years which supplied her with loving care and a safe home.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Arvo and Lola Kujansu, nee Staten, husband, Edward B. Lawson Sr., son Arvo “Rusty” Jennings, and daughter Kathryn (Patrick) Budd, along with great-grandchildren Lil’ Robert and Maddie Rowe.
She is also preceded in death by her sisters, Darlene (Jerry) Miller, and Olive (Ron) Stanley.
In 1993, Brenda and her husband, Eddie, purchased property on Lake Erie. Soon after, the two of them, along with other concerned citizens and local officials from Painesville Township, launched a grassroots movement to address environmental concerns which included pollution and shoreline erosion. The pair were issued a 50-year land lease which allowed them to take active measures to save their shoreline property.
It wasn’t unusual for family and friends to join the Lawsons for an evening visit to share the beauty of Lake Erie which included dramatic sunsets or spectacular views of serene sailboats bobbing across the horizon.
As their lakeside land improved under their watchful eye, bald eagles began to return to their property and nest nearby. Today the eagle population thrives in that area and it’s not unusual to see these majestic creatures perched in one of the trees Brenda and Eddie planted on their property decades earlier.
A Celebration of Life is set for May 7th at Lakeside Baptist Church, 306 Fairport Nursery Rd., Painesville. Visitation with family and friends begins at 4:30 pm followed by a 6 pm memorial service.
The family wishes to extend its unending gratitude toward Dr. Tam McLean MD. and staff in Willoughby, Ohio, for their professionalism and kindness given the past several years. Also, the family is extremely grateful for the staff who assisted during her final days at the David Simpson Hospice Center in Cleveland.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Western Reserve. Visit www.hospicewr.org/Give for more information