Julie Marie Lawson

Julie Marie Lawson (née Anderson) of Stow, Ohio passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, at the age of 92. She was born on July 18, 1933, to the late James and Ethel Anderson of Alpena, Michigan. She was the third of four daughters, raised by her mother after her father passed away when she was 7 years old.

Julie graduated from Alpena High School in 1951 as salutatorian of her class. She began her career as a secretary for Mr. Van Lare at Alpena Community College, where she worked until meeting William “Bill” Frazier Lawson, a civil engineer working in Alpena. The two married on November 5, 1955, and over the next five years welcomed three children: Steven Frazier, Mary Sue, and William Paul. During this time, they moved to Lakewood, Ohio, where they would live for many years. In 1961, Bill’s work took them abroad to a suburb of Paris, France for two years. Julie fully embraced the new culture - learning the language, raising her young children, building friendships, and, inspired by French cuisine, developing a lifelong love of cooking. After returning to Lakewood, their family was blessed with the birth of their fourth child, Judith Anne, in 1966.

While raising her children, Julie devoted her time and talents to many activities. She worked as a secretary for the Lakewood Board of Education and served as an active Girl Scout leader, always finding creative and fun ways to keep “her girls” engaged and growing. She cared for several children in her home, feeding them lunches along with her own crew. She and Bill taught Sunday School at their church, and they enjoyed square dancing together for many years in their matching outfits she sewed.

In the fall of 1981, Julie, Bill, and their daughter Judy relocated to West Milford, New Jersey, for Bill’s work, where Julie served as office manager for the local schools. Following the birth of their first grandchild, they returned to Stow, Ohio, where Julie spent the remainder of her life.

Julie was a woman of many talents and interests; it was nearly impossible to keep her still. She loved sewing, knitting, quilting, needlepoint, cross-stitch, crewel, paint-by-numbers, and countless other crafts, always eager to try something new. She loved working in the yard, planting new flowers each year and watching the beautiful colors emerge. She enjoyed watching birds come to her feeder and could name most of the species that visited. She immersed herself in refinishing furniture, painting and wallpapering, arranging flowers, and making a beautiful and comfortable home for her family. Music was another constant in Julie’s life - she played the piano, sang often (especially while cooking), and instilled a lifelong love of music in her children. She enjoyed family camping trips, planning itineraries and menus and even caper charts so each family member knew their part. She always enjoyed a good book when she could take the time to sit down. She was a long-time member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, where she developed many lasting friendships, and was a devoted Cleveland Indians fan - playfully sparring with her mother, a loyal Detroit Tigers supporter.

Above all, Julie’s greatest joy was her family. She immersed herself in every aspect of her children’s lives - school events, extracurricular activities, and organizations - attending countless band and choir concerts, sporting events, and competitions with enthusiasm and pride. At home, she made every celebration memorable: baking elaborate birthday cakes, planning lively, game-filled parties, writing clever clues for hidden gifts, and preparing special menus for each gathering. Her devotion only deepened as her family grew, extending her thoughtfulness and love to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, making sure every new addition felt cherished in a unique and meaningful way. Throughout her life, she continued to offer her love and wisdom generously, guiding her family with kindness and leaving them with memories that will be treasured always.

Julie said that her mother often quoted Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it”. Julie took this to heart, striving to live each day with gratitude and joy. Julie had a strong faith in God, raising her children in the church, reading her Bible daily, trying to be a welcoming friend to everyone she met, listening to her favorite preachers on the radio, sowing love where she could. There was never a doubt in her mind where she would go when her time on earth was complete.

Julie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Lawson; her parents, James and Ethel Anderson; her sisters, Janet, Marge, and Jeane; and her sister-in-law, Cary Moore. She is survived and missed by her children, Steve Lawson of Stow, Ohio; Mary Sue Foster (David) of Strongsville, Ohio; Paul Lawson of Westlake, Ohio; and Judy Stickle (Mike) of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Jenn King (Mike), Becca Thieret (Christian), Jordan Stickle, Madolyn Stickle, Tom Foster, and Jackson Foster; her beloved great-grandchildren, Ben, Simon, Amelia, Seamus, Sullivan, Eloise, and one eagerly awaited; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Bath Creek Estates for their caring support during Julie’s brief stay, and to each member of the hospice team at Akron City Hospital for their gentle love and devoted attention in her final days. Above all, they give thanks to God for the extraordinary gift of Julie’s beautiful soul.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Northampton United Methodist Church, 852 West Bath Road, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, followed immediately by a memorial service. A light meal will be served following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the American Cancer Society.