Velma Lawton
Bethalto |
Velma Ree Lawton, 83, formerly of Bethalto, passed away at 5:20 pm Sunday, October 12, 2014 at her home in Scottville.
She was born January 23, 1931 in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Maurice S. and Dolly Ree (Stone) Magee, Sr.
She married Eugene H. Lawton on April 7, 1951 in Piggott, Arkansas. He survives.
She leaves behind a legacy of accomplishment and a tremendous heritage for her family. She was a dedicated Christian and most recently has been a member of Bethalto Cornerstone Assembly of God. Her entire family deeply loved her and are profoundly feeling the loss of this woman who was such a strong and godly spiritual leader.
Velma graduated 8th grade Madison County salutatorian 1945; was the valedictorian from Roxana High School for the senior class 1949; she then attended Shurtleff College; and later graduated with a Masters Degree from SIUE. She was a teacher with the Bethalto School District for 30 years.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children and their spouses Michael Lawton (Nelma), Rebecca Mathews (Rodney) of Alton, Patrick Lawton (Kathy) of Scottville, and Steven Lawton (Pien) of Sparta, and Melissa Brenner (Keith) of Eureka, MO. Six grandchildren: Rodney Mathews, Tonya Mathews, Ryan Lawton (Anita), Rachael Ruckman (Greg), Michael Brenner and Joshua Grant. 5 great-grand children: Karlie Mathews, Cody Mugge, Brenden Mugge, Logan Lawton, Isaac Ruckman, and 2 great-great grandchildren Christopher Clark and Olivia Clark, a sister, Dr. Carolyn Kuddiss of Glendale and beloved nieces and nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a daughter, Tamara Grant, a daughter-in-law, Kimberly (Harris) Lawton, a grandson, Jason Mathews, and two brothers, Maurice S. Magee, Jr. and Larry Magee.
Visitation will be 9:00 am until services at 11:00 am Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto with Pastor Jason Pierce from Cornerstone Assembly of God officiating.
Burial will follow at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey.
Memorials may be made to Cornerstone Assembly of God Church Building Fund.
Online condolence and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
