Iva Hardy Lawson (1939-2021)
Iva Hardy Lawson departed this world to be with her heavenly Father on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021.
Iva had been ill for several weeks, and passed away in her home in Palestine. Iva was being cared for by her family, friends and Hospice services. She was receiving Hospice services from Patient’s Choice Hospice of Forrest City. The family would like to thank all of the Hospice staff who cared for Iva, for their very compassionate care.
Iva was born on March 4, 1939, in Woodland Hills, Ala., to Ella Gertrude Grizzard Hardy and Charlie Elmore Hardy. Iva grow up in Colt. She attended Colt Elementary School and graduated from Forrest City High School in 1957. Iva married Charles Lee Lawson, also from Colt, in August of 1957.
Iva was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Charles Lawson; her parents, Charlie and Gertrude Hardy; one brother, Freddy Hardy, and one sister, Evelyn Hardy Gutridge.
Iva leaves behind one daughter, Donna Lawson Golden and her husband, Marc, of Drasco; one son, Lee Kevin Lawson and his wife, Michelle, of Palestine; two bonus daughters, Brenda Holland and Doris Schubert and husband, Dennis, of Springfield, Mo; three grandchildren, Merideth Wheeler Ward and her husband, Chris, of Drasco, Hannah Lawson Jackson and her husband, Tracy, of Palestine, and Lee Mathew Jacob (Jake) Lawson of Palestine. She also leaves bonus grandchildren, Michael Haggard of Rosebud, Mandy Butkovich of Wynne and Bobby Golden and wife, Alicia, of Heber Springs. Iva leaves three great-grandchildren, Jaden, Paetyn and Oaklyn Ward, and 10 bonus greatgrandchildren, Zane, Emily and Hudson Haggard, Josie Butkovich Reives, Briar Butkovich, Abbie Butkovich, Jacob and Lexie Golden, and Jordan and Justin Jackson. She also leaves one bonus greatgreat-grandchild, Allyson Haggard. Iva also leaves many nieces, nephews, brother and sisters-in-law and other family members, and a host of friends.
Everyone who knew Iva knows she never met a stranger and loved to talk, and visit with people. Iva attended "Old Fashion Baptist Church" of Palestine for over 55 years, and worked in the church as Sunday School teacher, choir director, children's play director and many other roles in the church. She loved to sing gospel songs, and often sang in her home church and other local churches. Other things Iva enjoyed during her last years was assisting with the planning and implementation of the “L’Anguille River Festival" in Palestine, serving as a member of the Palestine A&P Commission and on the Palestine City Council, where she met a host of new people and formed many lasting friendships.
A visitation for Mrs. Iva will be held this evening, Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, at Morgan Funeral Home Chapel in Forrest City from 6 to 8 p.m. A pavilion service will be held Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021, at 10 a.m., at Bell Cemetery in Palestine, with Bro. Kevin Snider and Bro. J.E. Hughes officiating.
Morgan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.