Tributes

Virginia Christine Bell Lawson, affectionately known as Christine or Chris to her family and friends, was born on November 29, 1939, in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. She departed this life on November 3, 2025, in Silver Spring, Maryland. Christine was the second of four children born to Henry Wilbur Bell and Virginia Estelle Bell. She called South Hill, Virginia, where she grew up, her home. Christine accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was baptized at North View Baptist Church and also attended William Grove Baptist Church, where she worshiped with her father. She attended North View Elementary School, John Groom Middle School, and East End High School, graduating in June 1957 as the valedictorian of her class of 125 students. Christine continued her education at Virginia State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education. During her time at Virginia State, she participated in the Civil Rights Movement, joining marches and sit-ins in Petersburg, Virginia, organized by the late Rev. Wyatt Tee Walker. She became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., in 1959 and was listed in Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. In 1961, Christine moved to Washington, D.C., where she began her career at Howard University, serving as Assistant to the Director of the Office of Student Employment and Graduate Placement. On April 13, 1963, she married her high school classmate, Miller Lawson. From this union, two daughters were born: Dr. Sonia Kristi Lawson and Robin Michelle Lawson. She was a devoted mother, supporting them in all their endeavors. Christine later joined the AFL-CIO, serving as an executive assistant to the President, the late George Meany. She then continued her work at the George Meany Labor Studies Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, as Executive Assistant to the Director. After 32 years of dedicated service, she retired in January 1995. Christine remained active in her community and alma mater. She was a devoted member of the Virginia State University Alumni Association, Washington, D.C. Chapter, where she served as Financial Secretary and Treasurer for twelve years and chaired multiple committees. She loved cooking and playing cards—especially pinochle and solitaire—watching basketball and tennis, and dancing with her husband. After retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband and friends to Europe, the Grand Canyon, the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada, and many other destinations. Miller and Christine celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in the Dominican Republic. In 1998, Christine and Miller joined The People’s Community Baptist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland. Together, they served faithfully on the SHARE Ministry and repast committees until Christine’s health declined. She also volunteered as a church receptionist. Christine remained a woman of deep faith who said her prayers every night, no matter where she was in the world. Christine leaves to cherish her memory: Her loving husband, Miller Lawson Her two daughters, Dr. Sonia Kristi Lawson and Robin Michelle Lawson Her mother of 111 years of age, Virginia Estelle Bell One brother, Henry Eugene Bell Two brothers-in-law, Timothy Phillips and Clarence Parker Two sisters-in-law, Annie Bell and Adrienne Phillips One aunt, Iola Pulliam And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends She was preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Adelaide Parker; and her brother, Freddie Bell. Christine leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, deep faith, love for her family, and a life beautifully lived. ”I have stayed here long enough. There is light over the barriers. O my God. The darkness of my house forgive and overtake my soul. I relax the barriers. I abandon all that I think I am. All that I hope to be. All that I believe I possess. I let go of the past, I withdraw my hand from the future, and in the great silence of this moment, I alertly rest my soul. As the sea gull lays in the wind current, So I lay myself into the spirit of God. My dearest human relationships, My most precious dreams, I surrender to His care, all that I have called my own I give back. All my favorite things which I would withhold in my storehouse, I let go. I give myself unto thee, O my God. Amen” Howard Thurman All of us wish for a restful peace in heaven for Christine. We thank God for the blessing of her life and pray she rests in eternal peace. IN APPRECIATION You have given us so many things intangible and dear. We couldn’t begin to count them all. You have brought sunshine into our home, you have visited, prayed, brought gifts of all kinds, called, asked about us and simply cared. For this we are thankful. Our sorrow is easier to bear with help from God and family and friends like you. We appreciate all that you have done for us during our period of bereavement. We pray that God will continue blessing all of you. The Lawson Family

Tributes

Virginia Christine Bell Lawson

November 29, 1939 - November 3, 2025