Carolyn W. Lawson, 87, died Thursday, January 16, 2014. Born in Corbin, KY she moved to Newport News at a young age graduating from Newport News High School in 1943. Carolyn met Robert Lawson, better known as Bobby, on a blind date arranged by her sister and the two were married in 1975. They lived in Newport News, Matthews and then Hampton. She was a member of the Merry Point Garden Club. As a member of the Garden Club, she convinced Bobby to open their home three times for Garden Week. Carolyn and Bobby loved to travel and visited countries around the globe on trips and cruises. She frequently joked that she spent her time moving their clothes from one suitcase to another as they traveled between Virginia Tech football games, boat trips and European destinations. She was a talented interior decorator. She and Bobby joined together often in projects. Bobby would build and Carolyn would decorate.

Carolyn is survived by her husband Robert Lawson; children, Debbie Carrithers, Laura Calvert and husband Chris, John Lawson and wife Paige, Bland Lawson and wife Kim, and Elizabeth Taylor; a sister, Molly Capps and husband Bruce; thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Carolyn's easy elegance, creativity, compassion, laughter and light hearted humor brought great joy to her family and friends and will remain as a wonderful lasting memory for those she loved so deeply.

The family would like to thank Jeanette Brown for being such a loving caregiver and companion to Carolyn. Thanks also go to Jeanette's daughters, Marcella, Kelly and Candice for their assistance. Finally, thanks to everyone who helped maintain her beloved gardens and home.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Monday, January 20, 2014 at First United Methodist Church, 110 E. Queen St, Hampton. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1-2 PM at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Ave. Hampton. A private interment will be held in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

The family requests that memorials take the form of contributions to the Avalon Shelter for Women and Children, PO Box 6805 Williamsburg, VA 23188 or a favorite charity.