Lawson

Pearle T. Lawson, 88, of Tampa, Fla., passed away Saturday after a brief illness.

She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Dr. James D. Lawson, in 1997, and her eldest son, James T. Lawson, in 2005.

Dr. James D. Lawson was the founding president of Butler County Community College and retired as vice chairman of the board of Halstead Industries in Zelienople.

Jim and Pearle spent most of their married life in the Butler area.

Pearle was born Dec. 2, 1920, in Tampa, the daughter of Daniel and Carrie Belle Tyler. She was the youngest of five children.

Pearle graduated from the Florida College for Women, now known as Florida State University, in 1942, with a degree in music education. She later earned her master's degree from Hofstra University.

She was a beloved second grade teacher for 25 years at Penn Township Elementary School.

Pearle met Jim while he was serving at MacDill Army Air Base in Tampa during World War II. When Jim brought Pearle home to meet his parents in Madison, Armstrong County, a favorite family story was that she was told to wear winter clothes. She got off the train in Pittsburgh, wearing her usual Florida winter shoes, a set of black sandals and stepped into six inches of snow.

In her later years, the joy of her life was visiting her grandchildren. She was a vibrant and elegant lady who loved being with her family and friends. She will be missed by all her knew her.

She is survived by Jennifer Lawson (Ron) Glasgow of Fabius, N.Y., Timothy A. (Susan) Lawson of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Rodger B. (Bonnie) Lawson of Lutz Fla.; and her eight grandchildren, Cole and Cassie Glasgow of New York; Leilani, Lisa, Ian and Danny Lawson of Texas and Gavin and Wesley Lawson of Florida.

<B>LAWSON</B> — Services for Pearle T. Lawson, who died Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Madison United Methodist Church, Madison, Pa., preceded by viewing at 10 a.m. and followed by graveside services at Madison Union Cemetery. A reception will follow at the church.The <B>Beatty-Rich Funeral Home</B>, Madison, is handling the services, 724-446-5511.