BJ Lawson

Colonie- BJ Lawson, 93, departed this life on Friday, August 29, 2025 at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, New York.

Son of the late Jesse and Louisa (Rhodes) Lawson, born on April 23, 1932 in Grady, Alabama.

He received his educational training at the Colliers School and later at Ramer High (now Dunbar) both in Alabama. He was drafted into the U.S. Army while in High School and served his country during the Korean War. After his tour of duty, and being honorably discharged, he relocated to New York State, seeking better job opportunities which he found at several locations including: Albany Castle Wheel Co., Tobin Packing Co., New York State, and Albany Medical Center, from which he retired.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Lawson was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Mary L. Lawson; his daughter, Lorraine; siblings, Lillian Mosely, Troy, NY., Jessie Rostic, Montgomery, AL., Thomas Lawson, Grady, AL.,Nettie Robinson, Bimingham, AL., John Lawson, Grady, Al., Emma Pettiway, Mitchelville, MD., and Albert Lawson, Augusta, GA.; and granddaughter, Andrea Gipson.

He is survived by sisters, Wilma L, Wright, Montgomery, AL. and Lottie Brunson, Colonie, NY; daughters, Kabeerah S. Fardan, Albany, NY and Barbara Smith, Troy, NY; son, Jesse Smith, Cohoes, NY; grandchildren, Michele Beekman, Normandy Loftin, Stephanie Gipson, Devon Gipson, Elijah Gipson, Nyree Dobbs, Devon Dobbs Nashon Dobbs, Kiyah Taylor, Koshon Taylor; one grandson and on granddaughter of Troy, New York; great grandchildren, Lameeka Beekman, Kiyah Taylor, Jaz-myn Bryant, Koshon Taylor, Bianca Loftin, James Fitzgerald, Akieba Loftin, Erica Gipson, Elijah Gipson, Nyree Dobbs, Devon Dobbs, Nushon Dobbs; 14 great great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Calling hours will be held at Mount Olive Southern Missionary Baptist Church, 236 N Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207 on Monday September 8, 2025 from 11am to 12pm with a funeral service to begin at 12pm. Burial will follow the service at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie, New York.

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