In memory of Emily Eliza Lawson

She was featured in The City Times on April 12, last year, when she turned 100 years old.

Lawson was born to Salvation Army parents in Stockport, Manchester, in England, on April 6, 1913. She was their only child

In 1936 she married Fred Lawson and had three children, Brian, Judith and Carol.

When Fred left the Royal Navy in 1952, they immigrated to South Africa and settled in Benoni.

Her daughter, Carol Rennie, believes that her mother’s life really began when she moved here.

“She joined the Central Methodist Church and it wasn’t long before she was in the choir and a leader,” said Carol.

Lawson started a weekly prayer meeting and formed the Silverthread Choir.

“The choir gave many years of pleasure, not only to the singers but to the listeners,” said Carol.

In 1986 Benoni honoured Emmie for her care of the aged.

“Her name was cemented in the Cranbourne Centre, and she was already on the committee of the Old Peoples Home; as chairlady, she ran the home for 37 years,” said Carol.

Music was very important to Emmie, and she ran sing-alongs at the home.

Another of her achievements was the musical shows she ran with East Rand Musical Comedy Players and the Startimers.

Carol believes Emmie had a fulfilling life with her three children, eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

“She will be missed by many, but, knowing her, she probably has a heavenly choir,” said Carol.

Emmie’s memorial service was held on Saturday, August 2, at the Salvation Army, in Howard Avenue.