Jennifer passed away at home after a courageous battle with cancer. Her husband, Bill, her children, close friends, and her dog Lucy provided loving care and support.
Jennifer Lawson leaves behind her five children, Matthew Lawson, Christine Lawson (Steven), Michael Greco (Andrea), Amanda Lomax (Michael) and Stephanie Lanning (Stephen), her brother Jon Kesner (Paula) and grandchildren (Olivia Greco, Jackson Lomax, Jacob Lomax and Harriet Lanning) along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Jack and Doris Kesner.
Jen was born in Upland, California. She graduated from Mt. San Antonio College in California with a degree in languages. In Carson City Nevada, she met and subsequently married the love of her life on 7/7/77. From there, she and Bill traversed several states, (Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Pennsylvania) before retiring to Southern Pines, NC. Jennifer liked to refer to their moves as a horseshoe from west to east, making friends and building community wherever they went.
Undaunted by her health challenges, Jen and Bill traveled nationally and internationally, often with friends and family. She added to her extensive knowledge of places, culture, and the arts, as well as expanding her already vast collections of books, pottery, clothes, and more often – gifts for others.
She was many things to many people throughout her life. Jen was a mother and a wife, a Mensa level solver of complex puzzles, a bibliophile, a traveler, a volunteer, and business owner. She was a pillar of strength and stoicism for her family, even in her final days. She had a marvelous sense of humor, wit, and wordplay, which she wanted everyone around her to carry on. When she spoke, she chose her moments wisely, and to great effect. Possibly the premier hostess in her community, neighbors were welcomed throughout the year for Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, or spontaneous celebrations to honor and nurture friends and family. She was brilliant, empathetic, and always hospitable. Jen was a tireless advocate for freedom of expression, diversity, and choice.
She moved on to another dimension (somewhere over the rainbow) on September 10th. She will be forever in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local food bank or hospice organization to ensure Jennifer’s generosity of spirit lives on.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
