Phyllis Lawson

Jan. 16, 1939 - Mar. 6, 2016

SOUTH BEND - Phyllis Lawson, 77, residing in South Bend, Indiana passed away at 11:00 AM Sunday, March 6, 2016 at her home.

Phyllis was born on January 16, 1939 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Arnold Barton and Maude (Greer) Barton, and has been a lifelong resident of this area, attending John Adams High School.

On November 17, 1978 in South Bend, she was united in marriage to Raymond Lawson, who has preceded her in death on January 27, 2007.

Phyllis was the youngest of 5 children; her siblings are Joan Barton, James Barton, Larry Barton and Howard Barton. Larry and Howard served in the armed forces, which is why she donated her time and was affiliated with the VFW, American Legion Post 50 and Moose Lodge, where she served as past president of Post 360. Phyllis was employed with many organizations including Pinkerton Security, St. Petersburg Times, South Bend Tribune as well as a home health care nurse and served as a LPN during Operation Desert Storm. Phyllis attended Clay United Methodist Church.

Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Colleen Grenert of South Bend; sons, Robert Peglow and Anthony Grenert both of South Bend; stepdaughters, Melody (Kenney) Callahan of Plymouth and Melinda (Bob) Miller of Edwardsburg, MI; stepson, Richard Lawson of Osceola; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; as well as her best friends, Jean McLain, Pat Bickle and Jack Hodges.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her daughter, Judith Hagen; and by her son, Joshua Lawson; sister, Joan Fenzau; three brothers, James Barton, Howard Barton, and Larry Barton; and two stepsons, Don Lawson and Andy Grenert.

Funeral services for Phyllis Lawson will be 12:00 noon on Thursday, March 10 at Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, where friends may visit from 10:00 AM until time of services. Pastor Brian Durand will officiate. Graveside services will follow at Highland Cemetery, South Bend.

Contributions in memory of Phyllis may be made to Logan Center, 2505 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46615. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.