Ruth Varner Lawson

On October 19, 2017, Ruth Varner Lawson, 97, awoke in the arms of Jesus. Mrs. Lawson, widow of H. Richard Lawson, was a lifelong resident of Buffalo, SC. Born May 3, 1920, to the late Franklin Tate and Elsie Robinson Varner, she was the last surviving member of her immediate family. A lifelong member of Buffalo Baptist Church, Mrs. Lawson served the music ministry for 80 years as a pianist, organist, and director of the Youth Choir. Her influence continues today as many church musicians in the upstate began their study of music with her. She also taught Sunday School for about 50 years. In addition, Mrs. Lawson was a teacher in the Union County Schools for 39 years, most of those at Buffalo Elementary. She also taught at Kelly-Kelton, West End, and Monarch. Survivors include daughter Rebecca of Rock Hill and son Rick (Marla) of Beaufort. Three grandchildren: Tommy Lawson (Caroline) of Buffalo, Rick of Fayetteville, NC and Shannon Yaekle (Mark) of Hamilton, OH. Five great-grandchildren: Hazel and Tommy Lawson of Buffalo, Cameron Lawson of NC, and Maranda and Matthew Yaekle of OH. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, October 21, 6 - 8 PM. Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 22, at 3 PM with visitation beginning at 1:30 PM. Mrs. Lawson's piano students are invited to play a selection during the visitation on Sunday. Those who wish to honor her by playing should call Barbara Varner Ramsey. Mrs. Lawson's family would like to thank Dr. David Keith and his staff for many years of care and Hospice and Community Care of Rock Hill. We would also like to give special thanks to Miriam Cook, who has loved Mama and us as her own. Flowers will be welcome and memorials may be made to the Lottie Moon Offering at Buffalo Baptist Church, 1424 Main Street, Buffalo, SC 29321.