Joseph Edward

Lawson

Our beloved Bishop Joseph Edward Lawson passed this life into eternal glory on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, after blessing the earth for 84 years.

Bishop Lawson was born in Berwind, West Virginia. He was the third child of seven to Joseph and Loretta Lawson who preceded him in death. His parents moved from Berwind, WV, to Marietta, Ohio, to Harding, KY, before settling in Akron, Ohio where he attended West Jr. High School, and graduated from South High School. Later, he met and married the love of his life Ernestine Robinson.

Bishop Lawson raised the standard in working hard to provide for his family. He held various jobs and positions, with the three most notable being Fabricolor in Paterson New Jersey, Borden's Dairy in Akron, Ohio and as a construction landscaping superintendent in Milford, CT.

Though his plan was to go out one evening in his mid-thirties, Bishop Lawson answered the call to serve Christ while standing in front of the television watching a televangelist. His call into ministry began soon thereafter by studying, serving others as Sunday School Superintendent, Elder, Pastor, and Bishop. He was Sunday School Superintendent and Elder in Akron, Ohio; Senior Pastor/Overseer at Inspirational Church of Jesus Christ in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport, CT; He served as Overseer/Bishop at Holiness Church of Christ Deliverance Center headquartered in Midland, PA.

Part of Bishop Lawson's legacy was working very hard to provide for his family and leading souls to Christ. His family and those that knew and loved him will forever cherish his gift of bringing joy and laughter to every room and opportunity.

He was preceded in death by his sisters Henrietta Lawson, Mary Ann Adams, Maxine Keeton and grandson Ian Fleetwood.

He leaves to cherish his memory to his loving wife and life partner of 62 years, Ernestine Lawson; Sons: Joseph Edward Lawson Jr, David (Michelle) Fleetwood, Stanley "JoJo" Fleetwood, and Dion (Michelle) Fleetwood; Daughters: Lisa (Alfred) Jones, Tonia Toles, and Andrea (Howard) Taylor; Siblings: Rayferd Lawson, Lois Joseph and Bernard (Cynthia) Lawson; 21 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and many that he loved, partnered with in ministry, and guided spiritually.

The family would like to thank the staff at ProMedica Toledo Hospital, Flower Hospital, Arbors of Sylvania, and Ashley and the staff from Heartland Hospice.