Judith Ann Lawson

She grew up in Arkansas City, Kansas and was the little sister to Jean Peck Hite and was a sister/cousin to Joyce Miller Cartmill (who was her cousin but raised as a sister). Judy was a stellar student, played the cello in High School and was a varsity cheerleader. She attended her beloved college, Kansas State or K-State as she always called it. She started dating Wayne Emerson Lawson, a West Point cadet, also from Arkansas City. She graduated with a Language major in French and a minor in German. After graduation, she traveled to France and immersed herself in the culture by living with a family and traveling around the country. She married Wayne on January 4, 1950, and they had three children; Wayne Erick (Rick), Amy Laura, and Theresa Louise (Tess). Typical for Army families, they relocated almost every three years and lived in many places - Fort Campbell, KY; Yokohama, Japan; New York City, NY; Fort Riley, KS; Monterey, Calif.; Fort Belvoir, VA; Fort Leavenworth, KS; and finally settling in West Springfield, VA. Judy attended American University to obtain her Degree in Education so she could teach and have the same schedule as her children. She was a beloved teacher with many students seeking her out to tell her she was their favorite. She was a gifted woman who loved helping others. She was a substitute organist at St. Christopher’s church and was always volunteering her time to help others. She also served on many committees at her church. After her retirement from Fairfax Public Schools, she volunteered to teach ESL, made food deliveries for FACETS, was a volunteer usher at Wolf Trap, attended Lifelong Learning classes sponsored by George Mason University, and on and on.

On 2/2/2024, she finished her work here on earth, so she could finish her journey to be with the Lord. She was predeceased in death by her parents, sisters and her husband, Wayne and her dear canine companion Eddie. She was loved and will be dearly missed by her three children, 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. As per her wishes, she will be cremated and buried with her late husband Wayne Emerson Lawson in Arlington Cemetery, Arlington VA.

There will be a celebration of her Life at St. Christopher’s church in Springfield Virginia on Saturday March 9, 2024 at 2pm, a reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers we ask you to please donate to Salvation Army, St. Jude Research Hospital, or Make a Wish in her name.