Bethany Jo Lawson

Bethany Jo Lawson, 57, of Racine, Ohio, departed this world and entered into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, while surrounded by family at the Holzer Meigs Emergency Department in the early morning hours of August 21, 2026.

Bethany was born on July 12, 1969, the daughter of Donald William and Linda Lee (Darnell) Mayer, at Holzer Hospital in downtown Gallipolis, Ohio. She was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, serving in His church and in the community. She was also a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend. She was proud of her family, and the memories she created with them will be cherished now and into eternity.

Bethany graduated from Meigs High School in 1987. After graduating high school, she first attended Ohio University, majoring in Music Education, before transferring to the Elementary Education program at the University of Rio Grande. Bethany graduated from the University of Rio Grande in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She later went on to obtain her Master’s degree in Library Media Education from Marshall University.

Bethany began her career in education at Meigs Junior High School in Middleport, Ohio, then later taught at various elementary schools in Meigs Local School District. Upon consolidation of the elementaries, she became the first Librarian at the newly built Meigs Intermediate School. While at Meigs Intermediate, she later taught in third and fifth grade classrooms. Bethany finished her career as the Elementary Technology Teacher for both Meigs Intermediate and Meigs Primary School. Bethany retired in January 2026 with 32 years in education, having touched the lives of thousands of young students throughout her career. 

Bethany was an avid music lover, learning to play the piano from a young age. In high school, she was a member of the Marauder Marching Band and the school choir. While in college, she was a member of the Rio Grande Chorale, held hymn sings at The Maples in Pomeroy, and played the piano and organ for several different churches in the area until they could find a permanent pianist or organist. Bethany later became the permanent organist at her home church, Trinity Congregational Church of Pomeroy, where she was a member, and played there until she was no longer able. At Trinity, she was also a member of the Bell Choir and participated in the yearly Christmas Cantatas. She loved singing hymns, and could often be heard singing throughout the day at home. 

Bethany was preceded in death by her grandparents, Roy and Pauline Mayer, Paul and Ila Darnell; and uncle Samuel Ray Blackmore.

In addition to her parents, Bethany is survived by her husband of 29 years, Timothy Wesley Lawson; her son, Raymond Wesley (Emma Nicole) Lawson; and daughter, Melinda Darlene Lawson. She is also survived by her brother, Michael (Kim) Mayer; nephew Walker Mayer; niece Madelyn Mayer; uncle Paul (Linda) Darnell; aunt Nancy Jo (Chuck) Saltz; aunt Donna Marie Carr; cousin Stephen Saltz; cousins Lesley (Marc), Lilly, and Mason Michigan; cousins Sarah (Chris), Connor, and Clayton Feick; sister-in-law Elizabeth (Josh) Sanders; niece-in-law and nephew-in-laws Sarah, Zach, and Caleb Anderson; and several other cousins and in-laws.

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Anderson McDaniel Funeral Home in Pomeroy, Ohio. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Anderson McDaniel Funeral Home, with burial service to follow at Sutton Cemetery in Racine, Ohio. There will be a meal held after the burial service at Mount Hermon United Brethren Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Congregational Church of Pomeroy. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at Holzer Cancer Center, having skillfully and compassionately cared for Bethany during her time there.

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