Jo Ellen “Jody” Lawson was born in Harrold, Texas on December 24th, 1929, and was a perfect gift from God on Christmas Eve to her parents Johnie and Bess Turpen. Jody grew up in Eugene, Oregon with her beloved brother Shag. They were thick as thieves. She graduated from Banks High School at the age of 16. She was an award-winning tap dancer and enjoyed ice skating. Her love of writing began at an early age, and it grew into a lifelong calling. After moving back to Lubbock, Jody met the love of her life, Johnny Ray Lawson. They hit the jackpot with three children, Jerry, Liz, and Janna. They were the light of her life. Professionally, Jody was an accomplished paralegal secretary for Judge Rod Shaw, Brad Crawford, and Joe Boener of Crenshaw, Dupree, and Milam. She was highly revered by her peers and colleagues. Jody’s entrepreneurial spirit came to life with ownership of Beltone Hearing Aids, West Texas Baby Pageants, and as a Semi-pro Wrestling Promoter. Her favorite wrestler was Dory Funk who was famous for the spinning toe hold. Jody enjoyed Vegas, playing cards with lifelong friends, homecooked meals with family, writing poems, storytelling, anything sweet, The Young & The Restless, and watching the Chiefs win and the Cowboys lose. She loved her Lord and Savior. She was selfless, required little, and loved fiercely. Jody was a warrior, a champion of life, and created a lasting legacy of love for her family.
Jody is survived by her children, Liz Clanton, Janna (Gary) Aycock; grandchildren, Jason (Isrell) Lawson, Jennifer (Clint) Sims, Sarah Lawson, Heather (Denis) Espina, Kristi (Ian) Timmons, Zach (Kaitlyn) Davis, Jaclyn (Landon) Willess, Caleb (Lynlee) Davis; step-grandchildren, Shannon (Elliott) Powell, Ryan (Rachel) Aycock, Greg (Lauren) Aycock; 26 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Johnny Lawson; son, Jerry Lawson; son-in-law, Dwayne Clanton; parents, Johnie and Bess Turpen; brother, Johnie Turpen.
Jody Lawson went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, October 31st, 2023.
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