Joel Lawson Slater

Joel Marie Lawson Templeton Slater was born on December 11th, 1931 to a talented painter, artist and china maker Mamie Campbell Lawson and Skillman Avenue Church of Christ Elder James Arthur Lawson. Joel passed away on October 29, 2016 at the age of 84. Joel Marie Lawson's mother was told that, due to a heart condition, she should not have children. But, we are thankful that Mamie disregarded this advice, and was a sweet soul who battled to give Joel Marie her life. Joel was an only child and attended Woodrow Wilson High School before attending Abilene Christian High School, as that was the closest Christian School at that time. She then attended ACU. During her time home to visit with cousins in Honey Grove, Tx Joel Marie met Clifford Templeton who soon enlisted in the Korean War. Joel lived in Durant Oklahoma after she married Clifford who was stationed there. To this marriage, Brenda Templeton Gordy was born in 1951 and Larry Templeton was born in 1952. Joel had a long career as a medical secretary, and worked for many years at the UT Health Science Center and Parkland Hospital. Joel Marie was widowed in her 20's when her first husband died of Hodgkin's disease. Joel continued in her faith raising 2 children during the 50's. She taught Sunday school at Skillman Ave church of Christ where she used pipe cleaners and clothes that she had sewn to teach Bible stories. She sang soprano in the Choraliers seen every Sunday morning on local television. While in this Chorus at Skillman, she met World War II veteran Joseph Nelson Slater, and they were married on December 29, 1961. To this union two children were born: David Nelson Slater 1962 then Pamela Ruth Slater in 1964. With her husband Nelson, she was dedicated to the promotion of christian education, and to the founding of Christian Academy of Oak Cliff. She is survived by sister in law Ruth Slater Scott, 4 children, 6 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. Her great great grandchild is to be born in February 2017. Her sweet and pure heart was loved by many, as she gave such joy to others. This sweetness lasted through her dignified battle with cancer, even after she was told 3 yrs ago that she had 6 months to live. She faced this battle with the strength that always defined her. The family is blessed beyond words to have had those additional years. Over the last several months, she sang daily around the house with that sweet though fainting voice. One of her favorites that she sang routinely, which describes her life, was "This little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine". Her family and numerous friends appreciate being blessed by her light. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. https://donate.cancer.org