John Sterling Lawson
July 25, 1952 - October 25, 2015
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Obituary For John Sterling Lawson
John Sterling Lawson, 63 of Raleigh, N.C. passed away at home on October 25, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. John is survived by his loving husband Joseph Gerard LaRock. He was preceded in death by parents, Grover Sterling Lawson and Ernestine Robinson Lawson and sister Sandra Lawson Morris. John is survived by sisters, Phyllis Lawson Welsh and Rhonda Lawson Nealy; one aunt, Peggy Robinson Elder and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A native of Charlotte, NC, John graduated from Olympic High School and Kings College. John was first employed as office manager for the Hanford family business in Salisbury, NC. He enjoyed this opportunity to work with Elizabeth Hanford Dole and husband Bob Dole. John was then employed by IBM in the Finance and Business Controls Division until his retirement after 32 years of service.
In lieu of flowers John requested memorials sent to Appalachian Wildlife Refuge at P.O. Box 1211, Skyland, NC 28776 or www.appalachianwild.org.
Live Stream
Services
Visitation
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Celebration of Life Service
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Committal Service
11:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Condolences
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September 01, 2020
John was the dearest and most loyal friend in the world. It's hard for me to imagine what my life will be without him after having him around for 35 years. He never lost his values, sense of humor or love for his family and friends. My favorite memory (or one of them) was when I decided to give him a "little red wagon" for his constant yard work. I went to Toys 'R' Us and was trying to decide which Radio Flyer model he deserved, when the salesman asked how old the child was - I said 42 and he sold me the wooden bed model for John's birthday. John laughed his head off when he saw it, and I noticed it still in use in the garage this past weekend, some 21 years later! John, you promised to take care of my parents "up there" and I'm holding you to it. Rest well, my love. Betsy
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September 01, 2020
John was a bright light and will always be with us. Maya Angelou quotes: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." My deepest condolences. Brent Pogue, San Francisco, California
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September 01, 2020
Joseph and all. John was one of the kindest, most caring, and loving person I've had the pleasure of knowing. I'm glad that he was my FRIEND. As we have spoken about before, John is once again "Driving Miss Genie." What a pair those two were/are. Love, Fred Sayre
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September 01, 2020
From Joseph "There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness , But of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, Of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love. " Washington Irving
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September 01, 2020
Dear Joseph and John's Family, I am deeply saddened by the loss we all feel today. When I first met John there was an instant connection with him which I will hold in my heart forever. Love your friend, Carol Palleschi
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September 01, 2020
May our Lord send extra solace to Joseph and family during this time of loss and sadness. In Loving memory of John, Michael D.
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September 01, 2020
Joseph & family, I worked with John for many years at IBM and he always made the tough jobs more fun. We had a wonderful trip to San Jose once & John enjoyed showing us around San Francisco (great restaurants & all). So sorry for your loss - he was one of the nicest men I knew and I know how much you'll miss him. With deepest sympathy, Ann Catalano
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September 01, 2020
Our thoughts go out to Joseph and the rest of John's family.We wish you peace and comfort in the days to come. With love, Bill Patrick & Kevin Wong
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September 01, 2020
Lit a candle in memory of John Sterling Lawson
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September 01, 2020
Lit a candle in memory of John Sterling Lawson
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September 01, 2020
Lit a candle in memory of John Sterling Lawson
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September 01, 2020
Lit a candle in memory of John Sterling Lawson
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September 01, 2020
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September 01, 2020
Sent a gift in memory of John Sterling Lawson
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September 01, 2020
Sent a gift in memory of John Sterling Lawson
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September 01, 2020
Sent a gift in memory of John Sterling Lawson
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