SUNRISE                                                                                                                     SUNSET

JAN 1, 1935                                                                                                            JAN 11, 2024

OBITUARY:

Dr. Rosa Lee Johnson Lawson was the 5th child and 4th girl of eleven children to lovingparents Benjamin and Lillian Johnson born January 1, 1935 in Sanford, North Carolina. Her siblings in order are Mary Lois, Magdelene, Benjamin, Bettye, Rosa, Gladys, Helen, Nancy, Bobby, Ulysses, and Vaughn. As a member of Wall Street Baptist Church and graduate from W. B. Wicker’s High School she was committed to education and service. Her pursuit of education and service allowed her to attend Barber Scotia College in Concord, North Carolina via a work scholarship.

After her second semester freshman year she moved in with her sister Bettye Levette andtransferred to and eventually graduated with honors in Business Education from Agriculture &Technology State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. Upon graduating from college her drive for service and education took her to Richmond, VA in the public school system for a short stint.

Her sister Magdelene assisted her career transition to the Broward County School System whereshe served the students and the community for years prior to obtaining advanced education. Aftercompleting her Doctorate in Education, and professional licensing she served as Principal in the Broward County School System and on a host of boards, committees, and businesses surrounding early childhood education and serving the youth. Most rewarding to her and the community is the establishment of Central Charter School that has grown to serve over 20,000 at risk-students grades K-8 over the course of twenty-five (25) years.

Dr. Lawson is preceded in death by both parents, her husband Lou and six siblings. She wasblessed with two sons to cherish her memory of service and education Gene (wife), Bob (wife), hersiblings Dr. Magdalene Lewis, Dr. Gladys Reid, Mr. Robert “Bobby” (Irma) Johnson and Mr. UlyssesJohnson. Two grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.