Della (Smith) Lawson
Della (Smith) Lawson, died at home on July 7, 2023 at the age of 90.
She passed while being cared for by family, friends and Hospice.
Della is survived by her sister, Bertha (Smith) Crawford of Toledo Ohio; and her great-granddaughter Alysha Moses of Barbourville, Ky.
She is predeceased by her husband, Herbert “Gene” Lawson; son, Larry Lawson; daughter, Sandra (Lawson) Moses; grandson, Jody Moses; brothers, Hubert Smith, Lester Smith, Verlyn Smith, Earl Smith, Claude Patton “CP” Smith, Harold Smith, Johnny Smith, David “Buddy” Smith, and Joseph “Paul” Smith; sisters, Joie (Smith) Petrey, and twin sister, Stella (Smith) Lawson.
Della was born on July 26, 1932 to Claude Patton and Evelyn (Bryant) “Eva” “Miss Smith” Smith. She worked and retired from Whitley County School (Boston Elementary) as a cook.
Della was a devoted daughter that sacrificed her life by caring for her mother (Miss Smith) while her husband Gene worked as factory laborer in Toledo, Ohio.
Della was a faithful member of Clearfork Baptist Church and attended services up until her health prevented it. Della loved and cared for her beautiful flowers and always had a most beautiful display in her yard and home. Della welcomed family and visitors to her home with homemade cake and coffee.
Della was always available to provide all stray cats a free meal and had many take advantage of her love and kindness. “Charlie Brown”, a homeless kind heart, could always get a free bologna sandwich and a place to lay his head at night on Della’s porch.
She was so loved and will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and all who knew her.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.




