Patricia Lee Lawson

Patricia Lee Lawson (Pat), age 85, of Centerville, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. She was born October 10, 1940, in Rostraver, Pennsylvania, to the late Arthur and Beulah Warner.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Robert Lee Lawson (Bob); granddaughter, Amanda Robin; and great-granddaughter, Hadley Drew.

Pat is survived by her children, David (Cindy) Lawson, Susan Lawson-Dawson (Jerome), Dianne Lawson-Smith (Phillip), and Scott Lawson; her brother, Dale (Carole) Warner; grandchildren Daniel (Kyla), Mindy (Aaron), Zach (Kevin), Colleen (Hosea), Erica (Garrett), Samuel (Baylie), and Abbie (Adrian); great-grandchildren Adilynn, Harper, Andres, Charlie, and Reese; niece and nephew, Kelly (Randy) Fry and Matt Warner and their families.

Some people put out a welcome mat to clean off muddy shoes. Some use it to add flair to the front porch. Pat's welcome mat meant what it said.

For 58 years, Pat shared her life with Bob, the love of her life and her partner in creating the home behind that welcome mat. Together, they built a life centered on family, friendship, and faith. Their home became the gathering place where countless memories were made and hugs were given.

Family celebrations. Fellowship with friends, old and new. Pat and Bob created the kind of home people wanted to return to, and Pat made sure no one ever wondered whether they belonged. And if you crossed that threshold, you probably left with a full stomach, a happy heart, and a sweet treat or leftovers for later.

Especially during the holidays, guests found themselves carrying home a plate piled high with Pat’s homemade cookies or a container filled with her delicious chocolates, mints, or candies. Whether it was made-from-scratch noodles or freshly fried donuts, Pat constantly expressed love from her kitchen.

She was, in many ways, a mom to everyone. When Susan's college friends found themselves nearby with car trouble, they knew where to go, even though Susan wasn't home. Pat gave them a place to stay while they repaired the car. To her, the fact that her daughter wasn't there was beside the point. Someone needed a place to land, and she had a welcome mat at the door.

Even a wrong number could end with an invitation to dinner. Pat and Bob's phone number was very similar to that of a popular local restaurant, so occasionally someone would call asking about “today's special.” Pat always told callers what she was making for dinner. When one embarrassed caller realized his mistake and apologized, she assured him he was still welcome to come for dinner if the restaurant's special didn't sound as good.

Pat understood that hospitality was one of the simplest ways to show faith in action, one meal, one conversation, one open door at a time.

Her love for children shaped every season of her life. Pat began her career as an elementary school teacher in Painesville and later continued her passion for teaching as a preschool “grandma” at the Oakwood Community Center. Whether she was guiding children in a classroom, planning a Teddy Bear Picnic, watching grandchildren after school, or delighting in the laughter and personalities of her great-grandchildren, Pat found tremendous joy in helping children feel loved, encouraged, and valued.

After moving to Dayton, Pat served as a retail manager at Paragon Woman. She also answered a calling to ministry, entering the priesthood and later serving as pastor at Community of Christ in Beavercreek. Her faith was never confined to Sunday mornings or the walls of a church. It was reflected in the way she lived—in her generosity, her service to others, her love for children, and the food and fellowship she offered to anyone who needed it.

At the heart of it all was family. Pat loved her children wholeheartedly and took enormous pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bob's death left an absence that could never truly be filled. In the years that followed, Pat found particular joy in her family, especially in sharing her baking and cooking skills with Colleen and seeing her great-grandchildren as often as possible.

The welcome she offered never really ends. It lives on in the children she raised, the friends she cherished, the church she served, the neighbors she helped, and in every one of us who learned from her that the simplest act of opening a door can change a life.

We take comfort knowing that Bob and their little Yorkie, Mollie, were waiting to welcome her home.

Our thanks to Affinity Hospice for helping our family navigate the past four months.

Visitation will be held Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Newcomer Centerville Chapel, 820 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Dayton, Ohio 45459. A memorial service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Outreach International.

To share a memory of Pat or to leave a special message for her family, please visit the Guestbook below.