The Springfield community and the Lawson-Powell family have lost a very special person. Mary Margaret Powell Lawson died on Friday, May 20, 2011 after valiantly fighting cancer for the past five months. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Harriet Powell. Born in Springfield, Missouri, on December 19, 1956, Mary graduated from Parkview High School and earned a bachelor of science in Business Administration degree from the University of Arkansas. She was a sister of Chi Omega sorority. On her parent's 35th wedding anniversary, she married the love of her life, Bob Lawson, Jr. Mary was Divisional Merchandising Executive for Dillards in Little Rock, Arkansas for 14 years before moving back to Springfield to raise her children. The sudden death of this vibrant, loving woman creates deep sadness for her husband of 29 years, Bob, and her two children, Jessica and William. Her beloved pets, Max, Gracie and Lillian will dearly miss her as well. She loved and was loved by so many. The family of Mary Lawson also includes her brothers, Ed Powell and J. Robert Powell, and their families. Mary was known to her family and friends as an avid tennis player, walker, gardener, and wonderful cook. As a devoted mother and wife, she enjoyed traveling extensively with her husband and children. Some of her fondest memories included entertaining family and many wonderful friends at home and at the lake. For those who would like to join Mary Lawson's family in honoring her life, a service of remembrance and celebration will take place at King's Way United Methodist Church on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. Gorman-Scharpf is assisting the family with necessary arrangements. The family has requested that in lieu of floral arrangements, contributions be made to either Ozarks Food Harvest, 2810 N. Cedarbrook, Springfield, Missouri 65803 or the Humane Society, 3161 W. Norton Road, Springfield, Missouri 65803. Online condolences may be left at gormanscharpf.com.