Obituary of Melvin Lawson

MELVIN LAWSON, SR., was born on February 1, 1946 to the late John and Josephine Lawson. On Thursday, April 2, 2015 Melvin peacefully transitioned from this life in the comfort of his home. Melvin was born and raised in Emporia, Virginia. He eventually moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he met and married the love of his life, the late Mary Jo Lawson. Through their union, two children were born. In 1976, Melvin became the honorary father to his late brother, John’s children, Regina Lawson-Odom, Derrick and John Kennedy Lawson. Although, the role of being an uncle and parent were at times a challenge, Melvin overcame those obstacles and became a blended family. In 1979, while working as the head plasterer at Alden Park, he realized that he had so much more potential to venture out on his own. With that thought, he became the owner of Lawson’s General Contracting where he started to see the fruits of his labor right before his eyes. To date, you can travel all over the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and see such beautiful masonry work that will amaze you and give you a better understanding of how Melvin, not only took his work seriously, but his name and reputation for his outstanding work speaks for itself. Melvin was very well known for his “way of words” with people. He would tell it how it was with no punches. For the most part Melvin loved fishing, hunting and having his annual daily talks with his brother, the late Bobby Lawson. Melvin took great pride in teaching his son, Melvin Jr. the tricks of the trade to his business. In 2004, after the passing of his late wife, Melvin Jr., Angelina and Cynthia knew from that point on their relationship with her father Melvin forever would change. They knew from that here on out they would stand hand and hand with their father to ensure him everything would be okay. Melvin was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Jo Lawson’ and three brothers, Bobby, James and John Lawson. Melvin leaves to mourn his passing: his son, Melvin Lawson Jr., Angelina Lawson and Cynthia Neely; seven grandchildren, Niyetta Lawson-Glenn, Krystal Lawson, Melody Hill, Domonique Martin, Kareema Harris, Tiarra Lawson and Tishana Lawson; nine great grandchildren; one brother, Devonzo Lawson Sr.; one sister, Michelle Blackmon; three aunts, Ethel Scott, Queen Wiggings and Hoover Mae Atkins and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends along with a special acknowledgement to Monica Hammond, Melvin’s personal care taker.