Marlene Lee Lawley

Marlene was born to parents Glenn Arwyn Lee and Floye Bell Burnett Lee on September 4, 1946 in Birmingham, Alabama. She grew up in Central Park, accepted Jesus early in life while growing in the Hunter Street Baptist Church community. She attended Central Park Elementary, West End High School, and was first in her family lineage to graduate from college (Livingston University, class of ‘68).

Marlene is survived by her sons Charles “Bunk” Lawley II, John Richard Lawley (Mindy), daughter Dawn Lawley Bone (Brian); 6 grandchildren, Rick Lawley (Chelsea), Christopher Lawley (Stephanie), Taylor Arnette, Brady Arnette, Troy Bone and Kaylee Bone; 5 great grandchildren, Ryan Lawley, Jacob Lawley, Noah Lawley, Isaac Lawley, and Charlie Lawley, her sister Glenda Ogletree, niece Alison Conroy (Brian), nephew Derek Ogletree, uncle Frank and aunt Francis Sims and numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins and a precious friend group she called “Sistas”. She is preceded in death by her parents Glenn and Floye Bell Lee.

Marlene worked for Southern Research Institute for over 30 years, instrumental in their cancer research programs. Following retirement, she pursued one of her passions and was involved with several historical and lineage societies. She was a member of the Lily of the Cahaba Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Chapter Regent 2010-2013, and then was voted as Honorary Chapter Regent, a Charter Member of the Alabama Society Southern Dames of America and was currently serving as State Registrar and as a Bylaws State Chairman, and the George Maris Chapter Colonial Dames XVII Century, Chapter President 2017-2019.

She always enjoyed conversations and time spent with family and friends, was rich in family traditions, and enjoyed expanding her interest in deep knowledge of genealogy and historical research.

She was a faithful member of Liberty Church for almost 40 years, and loved her church family as much as her own. She was always grateful to the church family for their support, guidance, and direction.

If desired, please make donations in her name to Liberty Church choice of missions, Lily of the Cahaba Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, Alabama State Society of Southern Dames of America George Maris Chapter of Colonial Dames XVII Century or any other historical lineage society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Lawley family.