Katherine Lorraine Lawson

Katherine Lorraine Lawson was born on January 16, 1934, to the late Lucy Mae Pollard and late Alphonse Pollard. She grew up in Swissvale along with her (6) six siblings.

Katherine attended Denniston, Dickson and Swissvale High School where she graduated in 1952. On May 20, 1952, she married the love of her life, the late Arthur Lawson Sr. Their union produced (5) five children.

Kate was an avid reader and enjoyed English and poetry which she read to her children regularly. As a young mother, she enjoyed softball, picnics and cooking which was her gift.  Anyone who knew her was blessed to enjoy her cooking. Katherine never refused a meal to anyone.

Katherine was a life-long member of Union Baptist Church where she was a church clerk and willing worker. Kate enjoyed being on the bowling team and was in the Senior ministry. Her passion was the kitchen ministry where she served many years. Katherine loved the Lord and her Union Baptist Church family.

In 1967, Katherine enrolled in the Manpower Program and completed a course in Healthcare Expediter, where she started working at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. This position allowed her to become a trailblazer for going into the community of the Hill District to help at-risk patients get to their doctor's appointments. She worked side by side with the Freedom House Ambulance Service. In 1976, Katherine obtained a position at John Kane Hospital, where she became supervisor of food service until she retired in 1994.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lucy and Alphonse Pollard, husband, Arthur Lawson Sr., son, Arthur Lawson Jr., daughter, Ursula Lawson (Floyd) Rainey, siblings, Richard (Bertha) Pollard Sr., Gwendolyn Hairston, Beatrix Grinage and Patricia Cobbs. 

Katherine leaves to honor and cherish her memory, three daughters, Veryl Lawson, Frances Lawson and Adrienne Lawson, siblings, Margaret Amie and Melvin Pollard, grandchildren, Terri Lawson, NeShea (Herb) Griffin, Sina Lawson, Zalayne (Michael) James, great-grandchildren, Adrienne Gray-Lawson, Shania Lawson, Ricki Gray-Lawson, Shane Neal, Desmond Neal, Myles Neal, Viveka Lawson and Phoenix Thomas, one great-great grandchild, Zoei Campbell. In addition to a host of in-laws, nieces and nephews and so many friends who love her.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Family and friends are welcome to attend her visitation on Friday, December 9, 2022, 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Union Baptist Church of Swissvale, 2117 Collingwood Avenue, Swissvale, Pennsylvania 15218. Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022, 11:00 AM, at Union Baptist Church of Swissvale. The family of Katherine Lorraine Lawson would like to invite family and friends to the repass that will take place at Pittsburgh Mennonite Church, 2018 S. Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15218 immediately following the service. Please view and add tributes at www.strongfuneralhomeandcremationservices.com.

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