Obituary of Elizabeth Lawson

Elizabeth McCraney was born in Checotah, Oklahoma on May 5, 1962. She was one of five children born from the union of Laura (Nekton) McCraney and Benny McCraney. Elizabeth graduated from Houston County High School in Columbia, Alabama. She enlisted in the United States Navy honorably serving as Corpsman from 1981-1985. She married Larry Lawson and from this union came the birth of a daughter: Alexandra. Elizabeth had such a strong faith in God, that she strengthened by daily Bible reading. She was a devout member of Faith Christian Assembly in Melvindale. Elizabeth's number one responsibility was to be a great mother to her daughter, and second came her church. She led the dance and flag teams and was a teen youth leader. Elizabeth was a former long time member of Stewart Road Church of God in Monroe. People were always drawn to Elizabeth. While she was a very private person, she had many close friends and always cared for those around her. She was very outgoing and enjoyed socializing, and loved movie night with friends. She had a great sense of humor and could be quite sassy at times. She was strong willed and never shied away from conflict. Elizabeth served as a caretaker for her mother for many years. She enjoyed University of Alabama football and riding horses. She also enjoyed vacationing at Panama City, Florida. Elizabeth Lawson, age 51, passed away peacefully at 9:35am on Saturday, April 19, 2014. She had been under the care of Arbor Hospice. Her passing was preceded by her grandparents. To cherish Elizabeth's memory, she leaves a daughter: Alexandra Lawson of South Rockwood; her parents: Laura McCraney of South Rockwood and Benny McCraney of Columbia, Alabama; one sister: Patsy McCraney of Monroe; three brothers: Billy (Christina) McCraney of Beach City, Ohio, Jim (Donna) McCraney of Columbia, Alabama, and Matt (Donna) McCraney of Columbia, Alabama; seven nieces and nephews; and former spouse and close friend: Larry Lawson of Brownstown. Cremation has taken place through Southern Michigan Services in Livonia, Michigan. Friends may gather from 5:00pm to 6:00pm on May 5, 2014 at Faith Christian Assembly in Melvindale, Michigan. A Celebration of Her Life will follow at 6pm with Minister Tracey Karriem officiating and Pastor Joe Byrd reading the eulogy. Arrangements have been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Alexandra Lawson, Elizabeth's daughter. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.