Carolyn Jean Lawson went to be with the Lord on September 22, 2026, at Mercy Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born September 18, 1946, at home in Boekerton, Missouri, to the late Harold and Betty Jo Permenter Kellams. On August 27, 1971, she married her loving husband, Charles Lawson, who preceded her in death in 2001.

Carolyn worked for DeWitt Auction as an office manager for many years. She had a true gift for quilting and lovingly made a quilt for every child and grandchild in her family. In all, her family counted 72 quilts, each made without a pattern. She was a proud member of the Bootheel Quilter's Guild and found great joy in sharing her handmade creations with those she loved.

Carolyn also enjoyed watching Cardinals baseball and was an active and faithful member of Murray Lane Baptist Church. Above all, she loved her family deeply and treasured the time she spent with them, as recently as last week celebrating her 80th birthday.

She is survived by her children, Michael Lawson (Anita), Thomas Lawson (Annette), Keith Lawson (Michelle), Cherie Fowler (Brad), Bo Canoy (Kandace), and Audra Perry; daughter-in-law, Michele Lawson; two sisters, Jo Lynn Stegall (Rich) and Jacqueline Graham (Dennis); seventeen grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Lawson; three children, Steve Lawson, Terry Lawson and Kevin Lawson; her parents, Harold and Betty Jo Permenter Kellams; and one brother, Moe Kellams.

Carolyn will be lovingly remembered for her strong faith, generous heart, love of quilting, and, most of all, the love she had for her family. Her legacy will live on through the 72 quilts she lovingly created and through the generations of family she cherished.

Honorary pallbearers are Chris Lawson, Kevin Thomas, Ian Mikels, Dakota White, Jon Fowler, Cory Clark, and Josh Canoy.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, at noon until the time of services at 1:00 p.m. at Caudle Funeral Home in Sikeston, MO. Pastor Joe McCullough will officiate the services.

A private family burial will be held at a later date at Sikeston Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bootheel Quilter's Guild. 1006 N Main St., Sikeston, MO, 63801.