Valerie Jeanette Lawson

Valerie Jeanette Lawson passed away April 21, 2017, ending her courageous battle against breast cancer. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 12, 1966, to Dr. Aubrey Lawson (now deceased) and Mrs. Lynette Owens Lawson,

Valerie graduated from Bellaire High School in Houston in May 1984 and from The University of Texas at Austin in May 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. In the mid-1990s, she moved to Arlington, Virginia, and began a 10-year career with the Public Broadcasting Service, where she served in a variety of roles. Valerie later returned to Houston where she worked for Continental Airlines as manager of inflight entertainment. After the merger of Continental and United Airlines, Valerie continued her interest in entertainment. Refusing to be defined by her illness, she juggled her role as a mom and continued to provide in-flight services as director of client services for Global Eagle Entertainment until her passing.

Valerie had many gifts and shared them with those around her. She was always quick to show kindness and ready to offer strength and encouragement to others. She enjoyed the art of photography, a fancy probably inherited from her father and mother. Her warm smile was genuine and never lit more brightly than when she talked about her children, Aubrie and Max. Valerie never took for granted the value of family and friendships, and she nudged us all to keep in contact and embrace our personal connections.

Her favorite places included The University of Texas and the city of Austin. Valerie was especially fond of family gatherings in Houston and Centreville, Illinois. Topping her list of fun would be good times with friends in Austin at her favorite Tex-Mex eatery, Matt’s El Rancho; and vacations with her mother, brother and children to Seattle, Austin and St. Louis.

Valerie is survived by her daughter Aubrie Jacobson; son Maxwell “Max” Jacobson; mother Lynette Owens Lawson; brother Aubrey James Lawson; aunts Audrey Lawson Vinson and Brenda Owens; uncles Riley Owens, Jr. and Ronald Owens; cousins Marilyn Lawson, Arleen Lawson, Janice Lawson, Paul Vinson, Johnnie Margaret Lawson, Elneita Hutchins-Taylor, June Lawson, Dwayne Owens, Alysha Owens, Michael Owens, Jr., Joseph Owens, Royce Taylor, Christian Taylor, Kellye Taylor, Revlyn Lawson, Adria Coffman, Margaret Hutchins, Hylan Coffman, Gracyen Coffman, Kaelyn Lawson and Kiara Staton, as well as many other family members and friends.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Adam Deutsch, who provided care and support as Valerie’s steadfast companion.

At Valerie’s request, this will be a celebration of her life as a daughter, sister, relative, friend, colleague, and most importantly as a mother.