Jesse Nathaniel (Nat) Lawson

Jesse Nathaniel (Nat) Lawson, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 12, 2014 from his home in Ranson, under the loving care of his family and Hospice of the Panhandle.

Born Nov. 12, 1935 in Shenandoah Junction, he was the son of the late Jesse Carson Lawson and Edith May Southard. Nat was a loving and devoted husband, father, step-father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was an endearing brother and uncle to many siblings and nieces and nephews. Nat grew up as an adventurous young boy in Charles Town, spending his life loving and exploring Jefferson County, and later in life becoming an integral part of the community through his businesses, Jesse N Lawson Building and Remodeling and Lawson’s House of Color paint store.

Nat was a very active member of the First Baptist Church of Ranson, where he loved singing in the choir and served as a local missionary.

Nat is survived by his five daughters Terri Bracciale and husband Vincent of Sykesville, Maryland; Holly McCall and husband Keith of Shepherdstown; Natalie Jones and husband David of Aiken, South Carolina; Carla May of Shepherdstown; and Brenda Day of Shepherdstown; and 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Four step-children and their families: Tony Hoover of Winchester, Virginia; Michael Hoover of Stephenson, Virginia; Jenny Orrison and husband Charlie of Clearbrook, Virginia; and Pam Feltner and husband Pat of Winchester, Virginia. He also leaves behind four siblings Dennis “Buddy” Lawson of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; Naomi Merletti of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; Ophelia White of Ranson; and Stephen Lawson of Charles Town, and many nieces and nephews.

Nat was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Ellen Colleen Lawson; his son-in-law Curtis May; his granddaughter Christine Day; and three siblings Louise Vassar, Reba Cameron, and Dorothea Knight.

Services were held at 11a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at the First Baptist Church of Ranson, with Pastor Mike Withem officiating. Interment was at Pleasant View Memory Gardens, Martinsburg.

Arrangements were by Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home, Charles Town.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Panhandle, 330 Hospice Lane, Kearneysville, WV 25430 or The First Baptist Church of Ranson, 614 Lone Oak Road, Ranson, WV 25438.

Please sign the online guestbook and view his obituary at www.mtstrider.com.