Lawson

Croft

Lawson Emmanuel Croft died at Legacy Village at Plantation Manor in Thomasville, GA on March 3, 2022. He was born on May 12, 1931 in Berlin, GA. He was the son of James Robert Croft and Beady Strickland Croft. Lawson graduated from Barwick School, in Brooks County, in May 1950 and he was part of the Barwick basketball team that won the state championship the year that he was a senior. Following graduation he served in the U.S. Army as a medic stationed at Bordeaux, France during the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Betty Jean Cooper on August 25, 1956 and they were married for 65 years. They were blessed with a son, Victor Emmanuel. Lawson was employed and retired from Sunnyland Foods.

He was a long time member of Kenyan Memorial Seventh Day Adventist Church in Thomasville, GA, serving as an elder.

Lawson is survived by two brothers, Simon Peter Croft (Mattie Lou) of Valdosta, GA and Robert Lee Croft (Betty) of New Market, VA. He is also survived by two brother-in-laws, Young Cooper (Kim) of Cairo, GA, and Mike Cooper (Kathy) of Thomasville, GA. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Lawson was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, his son Victor and brothers, David Austin Croft of Berlin, GA, Clayton Elmore Croft (Esther) of Collegdale, TN, Reuben James Croft (Elsie) of Pavo, GA, Samuel David Croft (Phyllis) of Riverside, CA, and sisters, Juanita Croft of Berlin, GA, Doretha Beaty (Ward) of Thomasville, GA, Ola Mae Vonier (Lamar) of Cleveland, GA, Ovelia Barrow (James) of Barwick, GA, and Anna Rebecca Boles (Eugene) of Fernandina Beach, FL.

A Visitation for family and friends will be held at Whiddon Shiver Funeral Home in Thomasville, GA on Sunday, March 6, 2022 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. A celebration of his life will immediately follow the visitation at Sunset Memorial Gardens on Sunday, March 6, 2022 at 11:15 am. With his outgoing, jovial and caring personality he has represented the family well and will be greatly missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Kenyon Memorial Seventh Day Adventist Church, The American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.