Betty Jo (Bridges) Lawson returned home to be with the Lord on Christmas morning. She was 89. She is remembered by her loved ones as Mother, Aunt, cousin, and above all, friend. Those who had the privilege of knowing this unique and wonderful lady will never forget her.
She was born on March 12, 1927 to Lillian Coral Bridges and Harvey Lee Bridges in Taylor Texas. After a brief period in Taylor, the family settled in Waco. Betty attended Waco Schools, graduating from Waco High in 1945. She also attended Baylor University, graduating in 1949 with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Art History. After working at the Methodist Home, she took a position at James Connally Air Force Base, where she met Staff Sargent James Henry Lawson. They subsequently married on April 3, 1953. After spending several years as a homemaker and Mother, she worked for City Tire and Battery and concluded her career at McLennan Community College in 1989.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her siblings, Lillian Bilbrey and Harvey Lee Bridges, Jr.
She is survived by son James Stephen and wife Lesa of Hallsburg, daughter Judy Lynne and partner Marsha Spence of Crowley, and son Jay Lawrence of Bellmead.
Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, January 1, 5 pm-7 pm at Bellmead Funeral Home. Services will be graveside, Monday, January 2 at 1:30 pm, Riesel Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Betty's church, Timbercrest Baptist Church (1625 Crow Dr., Waco) or Heart of Texas Region MHMR (110 South 12th Street, Waco).