Velma R. Lawson, 92, of Sherman, IL, passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025. Velma was born on July 23, 1933, in Lakewood Township, IL to Orrie and Nita (Ruff) Wade. Velma married the love of her life, James E. Lawson, on June 29, 1952, and he preceded her in death on December 20, 2014.

 She is also preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Ruby Baker, Geneva Puckett, Jean Donaker, John Wade and Don Wade.

 She is survived by her daughters, Cindi Lawson of Springfield, IL, Kathy (John) Levin of Sherman, IL, and Nancy (John) Durham of Summerville, SC; nine grandchildren, Amanda (Mitch) Boston, Aaron Barbee, Allyssa (Josh) Black, Abigail (Andrew) Nicol, Ben Levin, Leah Levin, Hannah (Matt) Cobb, Maddie (fiancé, Abraham) Durham, and Cameron Durham; three great-grandchildren, Jackson Boston, Owen Nicol, and Aryeh Kemmerlin; sister, Leta Bruckner of Shelbyville, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

 Velma was a resident of the Springfield area since 1951. She worked for many years at the State of Illinois with the Department of Conservation and Law Enforcement.

Velma was a dedicated member of Grace Lutheran Church. She volunteered at the Grace Lutheran Food Pantry and the Hoogland Center since 2008. She was also involved with volunteering at the MUNI escorting the bus for many wonderful performances.

 Memorial Gathering: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Hoogland Center for the Arts, 3rd Floor.

 Memorial Service: 1:00 pm, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Hoogland Center for the Arts, 3rd Floor, with Pastor Tom Krieger officiating. A private inurnment will take place at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

 Memorial contributions may be made to the Hoogland Center for the Arts or Grace Lutheran Food Pantry.

Share stories & photos at StaabObituary.com

 ©2025 All Content Obituary Systems

“Professional Responsibility” protects the daily obituary. LocalObituary.com and the Authorized Licensed Funeral Provider “Thank You for Helping.”

Notice

To the extent allowed under State law, the decedent’s name, image and likeness are protected under this State’s Right of Publicity laws and should not be reproduced, copied, distributed, republished, or otherwise displayed for commercial purposes unless specifically authorized.

© All Content Obituary SystemsTM, LLC

An Important Message

Certified Obituary ServicesSM, A Social EnterpriseSM, is a Sustainable, Interdependent & Effective Partnership among State, National & International Funeral Director Associations, Professional Affiliates, and Newspapers, Facilitated by your Local Funeral Home.

LocalObituary.com, a Quality Brand Service MarkSM, is active as a vital community service available only through your Local Funeral Home. 

Other Quality Brand Service MarksSM, pending development, will soon connect the Local Community with Caring Professionals.  

Active Development 
Community Service
Local ObituarySM

Pending Development 
Community Service
iGrieveSM
Local CounselorSM
Asset ConfidentialSM
Please Find HerSM
Please Find HimSM
The Perpetual LightSM
Local Pet ObituarySM
Local Pet CounselorSM
My Newspaper DailySM
My Newspaper WeeklySM 
Daily Flip NewspaperSM
Weekly Flip NewspaperSM

Pending Development 
Funeral Provider Service
Your SEO AllySM
Obituary IT SupportSM