Obituary of Dorothy Dene McGehee Lawson

Dorothy Dene McGehee Lawson, 92, “got promoted” on June 24, 2023. She was born in Gainesville, TX on July 8,1930 to parents Ira Bird and Cecil Mae McGehee.

Dorothy, known to friends as Dot or Dotty, spent her early years in Gainesville and graduated from Gainesville High School, followed by attendance at North Texas State College. It was there, in the journalism department, that she met the love of her life, Davie James (Jim) Lawson. They were married in El Paso, TX on July 18, 1949.

Dot, who spent the majority of her life in the Dallas area (Oak Cliff, Richardson, Dallas), was a proud homemaker, as she loved taking care of her husband and children. She was a leader in Cub Scouts, Bluebirds and Camp Fire Girls, sewed clothes for her daughters and taught herself to cook delicious meals. Occasionally she would announce “adventures in good eating” when she would try to foist a spinach soufflé on her unsuspecting children. She enjoyed singing in the choir at First Baptist Church of Richardson, TX. In the early 60s, she and Jim began attending a budding new Bible church called Believers Chapel in Dallas, where her spiritual journey and growth really took off. She helped organize a Bible study that influenced hundreds of young women.

Later in life, she began sewing clothing for friends and baking for fun. What started out as a hobby turned into a successful cake baking business, which she continued into her mid 80’s! She was especially known for her delectable chocolate wedding cakes.

In addition to her parents, brother Jimmy and sister Betty, she is predeceased by her beloved husband. She is survived by her daughter Charlotte Frazier and son-in-law Jim; favorite son Ricky Lawson and daughter-in-law Kellie; daughter Laurie Grant, six beautiful grandchildren and eleven adorable great grandchildren.

Dot, lovingly known as Nana to her grandchildren, was not ashamed of the Gospel and boldly shared it with anyone she met. She touched many lives personally and through the various ministries she supported and especially poured her love of Jesus into her children and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Believers Chapel in Dallas at 1 p.m. on July 8, 2023. Believers Chapel is located 6420 Churchill Way, Dallas, TX 75230.

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