Edna Lawson

All who knew and loved Edna Lawson can certainly attest to her servant’s heart and unwavering faith through the ups and downs of life. She faced every challenge with determination and grace, and there was nothing she would not do for her loved ones. Edna deeply cherished each and every moment spent with her friends and family. Her generosity knew no limits, and the impact of her selflessness will not soon be forgotten. So dearly loved, our precious memories of Edna will be carried with us in our hearts for many generations to come.

The great depression marked the beginning of hard times all over the country, but in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains desperate times were harder because poverty was common place. The most valuable commodity in southeastern Kentucky during the 30s was food. Anyone who owned land farmed it and lived off what they grew. A good harvest meant the difference between life and death for many Kentuckians. Tobacco was the most common cash crop however during these years it was a luxury and a hard to sell. Families and neighbors looked after each other and shared everything they had. Neighbors were extremely valuable. Edna frequently quipped “we were poor but we thought everyone was”

Edna Louise Helton was born to Charlie and Elizabeth Helton. The town doctor BP Jones was not in attendance but he registered the birth the next day. Cecil, Howard, Geneva, Bill, Bobby, Charlotte and Kathy were her siblings Edna’s father, Charlie, worked as a bricklayer and coal miner while her mother, Elizabeth, was a woman of many talents, including cooking, and sewing.

Edna’s father’s mother, Mary Elizabeth-was full Cherokee. An earthy, rough character with a keen knowledge of how to grow food and preserve it. Her mother’s mother Barilla-was a prim and proper Irishwoman. She had a sharp interest good manners, sewing, cooking and cleaning. Edna - enjoyed the contrast between her two Grandmothers and often remarked how she benefited from lessons in life they taught her.

There was very little trash during these years because folks found it necessary to find a use for everything. While times were hard and money scarce Edna remembered her childhood with great fondness. One of her chores was to peel potatoes for family dinner. Elizabeth would always instruct her to peal a few extra in case a traveler would stop by in need of a meal. Unlike many children during this time, Edna’s family always had plenty to eat. Edna had 3 brothers and played any sport and participated in the same physical challenges as the boys.

Edna remembered one weekend her parents had an opportunity to work in town. So she and her siblings had sawed a tree trunk to make wheels using junk iron to connect them and built a wagon. The paved road and hill in front of their house beckoned them - so 5 of the Helton kids along with the neighbor kids climbed on. As it went down the hill all the wheels flew off and all the kids flew off. No one died. But all of them had a scar to commemorate the event.

She attended Frog Eye Elementary during all her Kentucky years. From a young age, she took great pride in her Cherokee heritage.

Education and educators were scarce in south eastern Kentucky but according to Edna “common sense ran rampant in these old hills”.

When she turned 14 she moved to Detroit to help her mother run a boarding house- she was paid to clean rooms and help with meals - she also had jobs at a dime store sweeping the front sidewalk and at Mills bakery washing and prepping pans. She lied about her age and employers realized this - but they really needed help (and they really liked her) - so she turned 18 - every birthday. When she was 17 she was dime store model. She worked at Fannie Farmer when she actually turned 18.

The seeds of Edna’s lifelong faith were planted by Hassel’s grandmother who was a friend and neighbor of the Heltons. Great grandma Rebecca Disney Johnson prayed for, witnessed and fostered the saving faith of Hassel and Edna. They were both hard working and generous but they recognized something was missing. Independently they were drawn by the Holy Spirit remembering the scripture (John 3:16) Grandma had repeated to them. They both were completely changed by saving Faith. This event made everything about them different. They began using qevery effort in their work and relationships and especially meeting strangers as an opportunity to share the gospel.

Edna had known Hassel James Lawson her entire life as a friend of her brothers. But never considered him a suitor because he was so much older. When Hassel returned home from the army and World War II they struck up a friendship and a romance and were married at a pastor’s house on US 229 September 8, 1947. The newlyweds purchased a small house next door to Uncle Don, Aunt Roxy and Great Grandma Johnson on 25E.

After Hassel finished his education the couple moved to Michigan. They were the proud parents of Haskel Alan, Gary Wade, and Karen Lynn. In October of 1952 Edna was pregnant with her second child. Her brother-in-law Roy was coming home from the service. Hassel and Edna drove to the Battle Creek train station to pick him up. On the drive back Hassel pulled off the road, so Edna could lay down in the backseat. A drunk driver ran a stop sign and broadsided them. As a result Gary Wade was born two months early on October 17. He died January 1, 1953. This loss was felt for decades to come

Edna’s favorite way to express her love was through the amazing cooking, baking, and gardening. The Lawsons enjoyed many memorable vacations to beautiful locations such as the Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone National Park, and Florida. During her life as a young mother in Michigan, she worked at Awreys’s bakery, Top Value Stamps and a Stamp Factory.

Later in life, Edna was thrilled to become a doting grandmother to her two granddaughters, Patricia and Tara Leigh. She adored her grandkids and seized every chance to spend time with them. Edna considered herself so blessed to witness the arrival of her four great-grandsons, Sean, Evan, Ian, and Emerson. Her family was undoubtedly her greatest treasure.

In her free time, Edna found the most joy in serving all those around her. She was very active in her church and loved working in the Matthew clothing ministry of Central Baptist. Edna also led Bible studies, Discipleship Classes and taught Sunday school for many years, guiding others in the faith. She had a deep desire to love and care for anyone in need.

As we gather to reflect on the life of Edna Lawson, it is easy to celebrate a woman so filled with compassion and unconditional love. She gave freely of her time and energy to pour into her church and community, touching countless lives for CHRIST. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Edna was the heartbeat of her family, and she excelled with strength and wisdom. The strength of her integrity was a testament to her Faith and exemplified by the way she followed after the Lord she loved above all else. Although she is already so greatly missed, Edna leaves behind a priceless testimony of unwavering Faith that her loved ones will be proud to carry on.

Edna L. Lawson, of Grand Rapids MI, and originally of Gray Kentucky was ushered into the arms of her LORD and Savior Jesus Christ on January 27, 2026. Edna was preceded in death by her husband Hassel Lawson, her son Gary Wade Lawson and siblings. Edna is survived by her children Haskel Lawson and Karen Lynn (James) Wells; her granddaughters Patricia Young and Tara (Don) Stevenson. Edna also leaves behind her four great grandsons Sean and Evan Young; Ian and Emerson Stevenson. Edna will be well known for her love of Jesus Christ and her commitment to spreading the gospel. Edna served her community and Central Baptist Church of Corbin Kentucky by engaging in discipleship groups, leading Bible studies, a clothing ministry and looking after anyone in need. A memorial service to remember Edna’s life will be held on Wednesday May 20, 2026 at Central Baptist Church of Corbin, KY, in the youth room, starting at 12 PM. To leave a memory or sign the guest book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com