Nadine Lucille Lawson (Best), 97 of Joplin, Mo., diedTuesday, July 25, 2023, surrounded by her family, at The Communities of Wildwood. Born July 7, 1926, in Columbus, Nadine was the daughter of Vernie Best, and Ellen (Smith) Pickett. She grew up in Columbus where she attended school. She lived in Kentucky, Illinois, Washington, and Florida before moving back to Columbus with her husband and children.
Nadine and Albert Lee Lawson were united in marriage January 14, 1945. He preceded her in death June 1, 1967, of cancer. After his death, she went to nursing school. She worked at Maude Norton Columbus Hospital and later Spring River Christian Village. She was a member of the Columbus First Christian Church, where she volunteered for funeral dinners. Her passions were her flower and vegetable gardens. She enjoyed sewing, embroidery, cooking, and reading books of famous people, a lot of Elvis stories. Nadine loved her neighbors. She enjoyed visiting, and their times together. They all were very special to Nadine’s family, too, as they looked out for her, and helped in many, many ways.
In addition to her parents and husband, Nadine was preceded in death by a sister Vada Castle and a son Richard Lee Lawson.
Nadine is survived by daughter-in-law Jane Lawson; daughters, Ellen Dougan (Jim) of Grandview, Mo, Cindy Starertt (John) of Joplin, Mo., Jill Knight (Richie) of Webb City; and sons Terry Lawson (Carol), of Miami, Okla. and Todd Lawson (Debbie) of Carl Junction, Mo. Thirteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren also survive. Services were held Monday, July 31 at Mason-Woodard Funeral Home in Joplin, Mo. Burial was in Park Cemetery at Columbus.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Dream Big Little One, in care of Mason-Woodard Funeral Home or online to donatebeds.com.