Keri (Orilla) Lawson, age 65, of Turney, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Keri was born on June 18, 1960, in Littleton, Colorado, to Dan and Mary (Stoaks) Taylor. She graduated from Overland Christian High School in 1978 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in art from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). On January 20, 1978, she married the love of her life, Mark Lawson. A devoted Baptist, Keri loved the Lord deeply and found great joy in worship music and singing. She was a gifted artist who also enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family. Keri was known for her creativity, kindness and her deep love for being both a mother and grandmother. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Keri was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Steve Taylor and sister-in-law Linda Taylor; and her niece, Coleen Tucker. She is survived by her husband, Mark Lawson, of the home; her sons, David Lawson (Wendy) of Kansas City, MO, and Dustin Lawson (Catherine) of Ridgewood, WA; and her beloved grandchildren, Peyton Lawson, Jayden Lawson, and Halle Lawson. She also leaves behind siblings Ruth Younger (Bill), Kent Taylor (Pam), Robert Taylor (Diane), Terri Taylor, Mark Taylor (Van), Tim Taylor, Mary Tucker (Kevin), and Laura Glunt (Joel), as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Lathrop Building Fund in care of the funeral home. Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Lathrop (816) 740-4658. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com
Source: KMZU, The Farm
