Rodney Hal Lawson

Rodney H. Lawson is the fifth child born to Mr. Ronald R. and Mrs. Jeanne Lawson in Nashville, TN. He is survived by his mother, three children: Roderick Lance Lawson, Anthony Lawson (Antoinette Bowser, mother); Nia Hoskins (Kimberly Hoskins Harlan, mother); his brother Ronald R. Lawson, Jr.; three sisters: Lynn M. Lawson, Lisa Lawson Scott, and Lori V. Lawson; and of hosts of relatives including his great aunt, Lois Thompson, and a host of relatives and close family friends.

His early years were spent in Nashville schools: St. Bernard, Ensworth, Father Ryan, and he graduated from Hillwood High School in 1996.  He attended Fisk University briefly.

He found his knack for relating to young children when he had the opportunity to work as a teacher’s aide and he loved being in their company as much as they looked forward to being with him.  This work enabled him to focus on a career path he had not dreamed could be his before.  “Necessity is the mother of invention,” and his need to work and be productive led him to this opportunity.  Only his failing health disrupted his trajectory.  He was very grateful for the experience.

 He was known for his athleticism, especially his enthusiasm for the game of basketball, pride and pleasure in all things related to his family and friends.  His ability to weave a story and include current events and logically discernment despite his own health limitations mesmerized those who were blessed to spend time in his company.  This is to say he lived in the moment; ever pushing through as best as he could, seldom faltering or succumbing to the obstacles in his life.  He was blessed to be surrounded and supported by his family–a caring mother who gave all she had to make him comfortable and safe at home, a brother who was with him throughout, his children who helped, especially Roderick who was a primary caregiver, with his daily care, and sisters who cared for his needs, and some wants, without restraint.  Other family members and friends supported the care-giving that sustained him and gave him the pleasure of familiar faces in his home as he so desperately desired. 

Anyone who knew Rodney was touched by his humor, bravery to battle a long illness, and his ability to always “bounce back” when he was down for the count.  He taught us how to live and be thankful for each day despite what it brings.  He indeed lived, “Give us this day, our daily bread…” and did not fret about tomorrow, but waited on it and greeted it with his gloves on.

We celebrate our beloved and rejoice in knowing he is truly safe, healthy, whole, and at home in the Father’s loving arms.