~ IN MEMORY ~Jo Anne “Jody” Lawson, wife of WA/DL Capt. Archie Lawson
March 7, 1947 – July 29, 2024
Jo Anne Lawson—Jody as her friends knew her—passed away in her home on July 29, 2024, after a long battle with cancer. Jody was born in San Francisco, CA on March 7, 1947, to Robert and Janet Zeimer. She was the oldest of three children. She is survived by her husband Archie Lawson, two sons, David and Peter, her sister Sally Cohen, and brother Robert Zeimer Jr.,
Jody graduated in 1969 from the University of California in Los Angeles with a bachelor’s degree in art design. She followed up with advanced studies at San Jose State College and received her California teaching certificate. She was teaching 2nd grade in San Jose when she met Archie Lawson in August 1971. Archie and Jody were married less than a year later on August 20, 1972. This year, Jody and Archie would have celebrated fifty-two years of marriage. Peter, their youngest son, has never been married and lives in the Salt Lake City area. David and his wife Rebecca have five children and live in the Dallas, Texas area. David’s children, Jody’s grandchildren, are Lily, Samuel, Joash, Chloe, and Evangeline. Jody truly loved all of these kids and she cherished every moment she had with them.
After Jody and Archie married in 1972, Jody decided to be a stay-at-home mother, raising David and Peter. Jody enjoyed numerous hobbies over the years and was a great friend and counselor to many of her lady friends. After she developed breast cancer in 1997, she started a support group and provided encouragement to women suffering from the same medical condition. Jody and Archie volunteered as financial counselors for over twenty-five years through various churches they attended. Jody would not allow Archie to leave the house until he kissed her goodbye when he would be gone for a while.
Since Jody had a degree in art, she had an excellent eye for color. She had her own business for several years helping women choose, coordinate, and shop for the best outfits for their occupations. While she had many satisfied clients during that time, she was also generous with her time and gave away her services regularly. Jody had a special gift and talent for helping people. She volunteered in several organizations dedicated to helping women in less than fortunate circumstances.
In February 2023, Jody was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and endured complicated surgery. While she was making progress in recovery, she spent the last two months in and out of hospitals treating complications and infections. She endured much suffering in the last months, but praise God, she is now pain-free experiencing heaven.
Jody was a dedicated, born-again Christian who enjoyed and celebrated victory she received through her personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jody professed faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when she was a freshman at UCLA. Jody was confident of her salvation and is rejoicing in heaven with Christ and all her friends who have gone before her.
Jody will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.