Cheryl Dean Lawson, 73, of Calvert City, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Anna Mae Owen Hospice House.
She was born on September 9, 1952, in Paducah, Kentucky, to her parents, James and Anna Louise Robertson. Cheryl was a woman of strength, deep faith, and unwavering dedication to serving others. Raised on a farm in Livingston County, she carried with her a lifelong work ethic. Cheryl never hesitated to do what needed to be done. She approached life with humility and determination, never seeking recognition, yet earning the respect of all who knew her. Her faith was central to her life, and as a devoted member of Briensburg United Methodist Church, she faithfully ministered alongside her husband, Bill, during his pastoral service at Spence Chapel in Mayfield and later at Briensburg, touching countless lives through her compassion and leadership. Above all, her greatest priority has always been her family.
Cheryl’s commitment to education and community service defined much of her life’s work. Through her continued studies at Murray State University, she earned a Master’s Degree in Education and Journalism, equipping her for a meaningful career that began as an educator at Smithland Elementary School and continued at Livingston County Middle School and Livingston County High School. She continued her professional journey as the Director of Public Relations, Homeless and Migrant Education for Livingston County and then for McCracken County school districts, advocating for some of the most vulnerable students and families.
Cheryl’s dedication extended far beyond her career; she served on numerous boards and organizations, including Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center, Kentucky Educational Television, United Way, the Kentucky School Board Association, the National School Public Relations Association, and Western Kentucky United Methodist Family Services. Throughout her life, Cheryl earned many honors and accolades, but her greatest legacy remains the lives she impacted through her kindness, service, and steadfast faith.
Cheryl is survived by her husband, William "Bill" Lawson, Jr.; daughter, Kelly Weaver (Mark) of Kuttawa; son, Ryan Hodges (Rachel) of Livingston County; three sisters, Marielle Robertson (Don Gardner) of Knoxville; Dianne Stallion (Bill) of Livingston County, Lela Gainey (Bobby) of Livingston County; five grandchildren, Shelby King of Hopkinsville, Haley Walker (Jacob) of Kuttawa, Macey Weaver of Kuttawa, Kyler Chace Hodges of Livingston County, Lilly Grace Hodges of Livingston County; five great-grandchildren, Amara, Naomi, Hatcher, Niam, Sean; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Clifton Robertson and Anna Louise Cooper Robertson.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, KY 42025, with Rev. Steve Milam officiating. A private burial will be held in Miller Cemetery in Livingston County.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in Cheryl's memory to Briensburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 569, Benton, KY 42025.
You may light a candle or leave a message for the family at www.filbeckandcann.com
