Eleanor Lovell Lawson

Eleanor Lovell Lawson, 92, of Birmingham, Alabama passed away June 13, 2018. She was born to the late Walter Franklin and Olivia Mae Edwards Lovell at their home in Birmingham on August 9, 1925. Eleanor was preceded in passing by her husband Harry Rankin Lawson. She is survived by her sons Harry Steven Lawson (Paula) and David Franklin Lawson; and her grandchildren Leslie Lawson Urrea (Doug) and Daniel Steven Lawson.

Eleanor graduated from Woodlawn High School, class of 1942. She then went on to attend Samford University (then Howard College) and completed her degree with a major in Business Administration. Eleanor was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, a sisterhood she still remained close with in her later years. She went on to work at Stockham Valves and Fittings where she met her future husband, Harry Rankin Lawson. The two were married at Eleanor’s home church she began attending when she was 8 years old, East Lake United Methodist Church. They were the first couple to have a large wedding ceremony at the church. Early in their marriage, Eleanor and Harry moved to Charleston, SC while Harry was serving in the U.S. Navy. They later moved back to Birmingham and had their first child. After returning to Birmingham, Eleanor took on the role of a full-time homemaker, literally building their home with Harry and putting each detail together piece by piece. She raised her two boys, Steve and David, and maintained her household with extreme pride. As a family, they enjoyed taking trips, their favorite of which being to the Caribbean. After 38 years of marriage, Harry passed away in 1988. After his passing, Eleanor pursued traveling to different places such as Europe, Alaska, and New England with close friends. She continued to care for her family and adored her grandchildren that referred to her lovingly as “Mimi.” Eleanor was a beloved mother and grandmother, and she will be deeply missed by those who knew her.

Graveside service will be held Monday, June 18 at 11:00 am at Forest Hill Cemetery, Birmingham, Alabama. Memorial gathering will follow from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm at East Lake United Methodist Church with Memorial service at 1:00 pm officiated by Rev. Sally Allocca.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to East Lake United Methodist Church where Eleanor was a lifelong member.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Eleanor’s caregiver, Corey Layton, for the loving and dedicated care you gave our Mom. We are forever grateful.