"We have to be aware of what is going on in communities and we need to try our best to convince people that they have a job to do, that they need to help...we all need to help." - Audrey Hoffman Lawson

"Wheeler Avenue Baptist is probably a leader in social action it's certainly a leader in civil rights. And that's not because its Pastor wanted it to be that. It is because of Audrey, the social worker, the family person...she wanted to see to it that the church reached out to other people." - Rev. Bill Lawson

On Saturday, December 12, 2015, the city of Houston lost a a civic and religious leader who spent her life working to improve the lives of others. 

Mrs. Audrey Hoffman Lawson was known to many as the wife to Civil Rights leader Reverend Bill Lawson and as First Lady at the historic Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. But her impact on the Houston community ranged far and wide.

She was educated as a social worker and began her career at the St. Louis YMCA. After moving to Houston with her husband took a job at Depelchin. Her entire life's work was marked by a particular passion for the well being of children. In an interview earlier this year, Reverend Lawson shared that his wife's dedication to the well being of others served as the chief inspiration for his life's work. 

As we mourn the loss of Mrs. Audrey Hoffman Lawson along with the Lawson family, the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and the city of Houston, we are grateful for her legacy and proud of her connection to social work that exemplifies the very best of our profession.

"Over these 60 years that I have known her I know her greatest concerns are that:
A. People should have a faith base
B. People should be concerned about building families especially pouring principles and values into the lives of children.
And finally that we work for the civil rights of ALL." -Rev. Bill Lawson on his wife, Audrey Lawson

We invite you to learn more about the life and work of Mrs. Audrey Lawson, a woman whose life and work serves as an inspiration to us all.

Viideo Tribute of Mrs. Audrey Lawson as Recipient of the 2014 NAACP Mickey Leland Humanitarian Award

Video Interview of Audrey Lawson & Rev. Bill Lawson discusses the WALIPP-TSU the school she created for young me, peace and non violence

Letter written by Audrey Lawson Soon after she graduated with a degree in social work

Archive of Correspondence Between Audrey and Bill Lawson from 1952-1954 (Over 600 Letters were exchanged during their courtship)

Video & Article: Reverend Bill Lawson Speaks About the Loss of His Wife - ABC 13

Houston Chronicle Article: Audrey Lawson, Church and Civic Leader, Dies at 83

Obituary: Mrs. Audrey Ann Hoffman-Lawson

Details for services are as follows:

Wake
Thursday, Dec. 17
6-9 p.m.

Funeral Services
Friday, Dec. 18
9:00 a.m. – Viewing
11:00 a.m. – Funeral Services

Both services to be held at:
Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church
3826 Wheeler Avenue
Houston, TX 77004