Obituary of Brenda Lee Shadrick Lawson

Brenda Lee Shadrick Lawson, 73, of Talladega, AL passed away on January 20, 2024, after a long history of llness. Brenda was born on May 27, 1950, to James and Mary Shadrick in Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Her father was in the military, so the family moved around the country, living in Alabama, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and they also spent 3 years in Germany. Brenda and her family returned to Talladega, AL in 1964 after her father completed his military career to be closer to their family. She graduated from Talladega High School in 1969. Brenda’s best friend and her husband, Mindel and Billy Lawson (who later became her brother and sister-in-law) were instrumental in arranging a courtship with James Lawson in 1969. She and James later married in 1971, and had two sons, Jason and Adam. Brenda and James shared 52 wonderful years of marriage. After high school, she worked at Palm Beach Industries as a Seamstress. She left Palm Beach to be a stay-at-home mother. She later returned to school at Central Alabama Community College and obtained her Associates Degree in Nursing in 1992. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for Dr. Friday in Sylacauga, and was employed at Citizens Hospital for many years on the on the psychiatric and substance abuse unit. Brenda was a lifelong member of Hepzibah Baptist Church, and was a devoted member of the Elizabeth Sunday School Class. She looked forward to volunteering during Vacation Bible School every summer. She was a founding member of the Banana Bettys, and enjoyed spending time with her friends. She was very involved in all of her grandchildren’s activities. Brenda is preceded in death by her parents, James and Mary Shadrick; sister, Patricia Shadrick Whitt; and sister, Gail Shadrick Hubbard. She is survived by her loving husband, James; sons, Jason (Robbyn) and Adam Lawson; grandchildren, Mason Lawson, Tyler Lawson, Nolan Lawson, Jessie Lawson, and Ava Murner; brother, Michael Shadrick; and nephews, John Hubbard, Wes Whitt, and James Whitt. The family would like to thank the numerous medical professionals that were instrumental in her care over the years and in her last days: Dr. Laura Deichmann, UAB Medical Center, and Affinity Hospice. A visitation is scheduled at Hepzibah Baptist Church on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 10am, with Beaver Tinsley and Pastor Darryl Wood will officiate the funeral service at 11am. Immediately following the service, she will be laid to rest in the Hepzibah Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Mason Lawson, Tyler Lawson, Nolan Lawson, John Hubbard, John Vincent, and Billy Klinner, with Honorary Pallbearers being named as the Berean Sunday School class. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Hepzibah Baptist Church Vacation Bible School fund. Services will be directed by Usrey Funeral Home.