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Shirley Mae Lawson, 82, Russell County, KY

Shirley Mae Lawson, of Russell Springs, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at her home. She was 82 years of age.

Shirley was born on August 13, 1943, in Jabez, the only child born to the union of George Wade and Edith Eastham Stephens. Shirley graduated from college in 1965 and began her teaching career at Nancy High School. She remained at Nancy until 1971, when she transferred to Russell County High School, serving as Guidance Counselor for the next 25 years, retiring in 1996. After retirement, Shirley was a Longaberger consultant for many years. She was an avid flower lover and enjoyed her flower gardens. Shirley professed her faith in Christ and was a member of Bethlehem Separate Baptist Church.


Shirley is survived by her beloved husband, Billy Lawson, of Russell Springs, whom she wed on October 26, 1963; her son, Barry (and Nenna) Lawson, of Russell Springs; and two grandson who were precious in her life, Brannon Lawson and Nathan Lawson. Shirley is also survived by one sister-in-law, Charlotte (and Dwight) Bennett, of Beech Grove, Indiana; one niece Lori (and Jim) Farnworth, of Indiana; one nephew, Chris (and Michelle) Bennett, of Indiana; and great-nieces and great-nephews, Lucy, Grace, Jason, Bryce, Arlo, and Ezra.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her aunt, Audrey Eastham; and a sister, Kathleen Dalton.

Funeral services are 1pmCT on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Bernard Funeral Home, with Brother Daryl Coe officiating. Burial will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5-8 on Sunday, March 15, 2026, and from 7:30 until the time of services on Monday.

Pallbearers are Brannon Lawson, Nathan Lawson, Wayne Lynch, Billy Andrew, Donnie Cooper, and Chris Bennett.


This story was posted on 2026-03-14 22:00:02
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Grissom-Martin Funeral Home
Located one block off the Square at 200 Campbellsville Street in Columbia, KY.
To reach David and Cathy Martin, phone (270)-384-2149, or e-mail: grissomfuneralhome@windstream.net.
Large enough to serve comfortably; Small enough to serve personally.

G & G Monuments
Todd, Mandi and Lucas Green
1670 Liberty Road, Columbia, KY. email: toddg12@windstream.net, 270-634-0359
First Quality Marble and Granite

Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home
Established 1922 | 210 Greensburg St., Columbia, KY 42728 | Jeff Jessie, Owner
270-384-2145, www.stottsphelpsmcquearyfh.com, email stottspm@duo-county.com


 






























 
 
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