Nellie Lawson's Obituary
Nellie Lawson of Broken Arrow, went home to be with Jesus Thursday, the 17th of December at St. Francis Hospital, Tulsa. Ok. She was born Sept 1, 1929 in Abilene, Tx to Roy and Lela Smith and was the oldest of 9 children. She graduated from McGregor High School, McGregor, TX then attended Hillcrest Hospital Nursing Program, Waco, Tx. Nellie worked as a nurse at Springer Clinic, Tulsa, until the age 78 when she retired; she continued her nursing as a volunteer at Arms Around Broken Arrow where she also served as Medical Director. While working at Springer Clinic she met and married Roy A. Lawson, MD in 1986. Nellie and Roy enjoyed 14 years of marriage where they were able to travel, spend time with loved ones and celebrate joy together until Roy’s death in 2000. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Broken Arrow since moving to OK in 1970; while attending FBCBA, she was active in her Sunday School class, mission work which took her to Mexico, Viet Nam and Russia and many other outreach endeavors. Her true joy in life was her grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as her dog Happy. Nellie enjoyed sports and followed her grandchildren’s athletic activities across the country. Coming from such a large family allowed her to enjoy a variety of activities with her brothers and sisters. She looked forward to family reunions, sister trips, remembering childhood stories and antics a well as enjoying a game of Mexican Train where arguments and laughter ensued regarding rules. For more than 50 years she was a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority where she shared many wonderful friendships. Nellie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Roy A Lawson, her son James Harold Melton and her sister Wanda Alexander. Survivors include her daughter Raynelle Melton Rudolph of Tulsa, her son Bill Melton and wife Carmel of Andrews, TX; sister Pat Mistler and husband John of Tucson, AZ, sister Lanetia Gayden and husband Bob of Dallas, TX, sister Lynda O’Rear and husband Jerry, sister Mary Jane Valentino and husband Pete of Calhoun, GA, brother Roy Smith and wife Janet of Pflugerville, TX, brother Robert Smith of Abilene, TX and brother Raymond Smith and wife Jamie of Robinson, TX; grandchildren Sunny Rudolph Sisson, husband Travis of Spanaway, WA; Meleah, Malachi and Micah Melton of Andrews, TX; great grandchildren Sloane and Corbin Sisson. Nellie is also survived by more than 75 nieces, nephews and their children and grandchildren. In addition she is survived by her dearly loved daughter by another mother, Connie Deaton of Eureka Springs, AR. Services will be held Wednesday, December 23 at 10:00am in the Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel, Broken Arrow, OK. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Arms Around Broken Arrow, 700 W. Ft. Worth St, Broken Arrow, 74012.
What’s your fondest memory of Nellie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Nellie?
Share a story where Nellie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Nellie you’ll never forget.
How did Nellie make you smile?