Roberta Illa Lawson

Roberta Illa Lawson was born January 19, 1959 in Lake Charles, LA to the late Robert Edward and Ruby Illa Fontenot.

She was a graduate of LaGrange High School, class of 1977. In her younger years, she enjoyed fitness and ballet and always had a love for life. After graduation, through mutual friends, she met the love of her life and best friend, Carroll Lawson. They exchanged vows on June 3, 1979.

She is best remembered for her kind and selfless spirit. A person who always thought of others before herself and was the best wife, mother, and “Honey” to her grandchildren. To know her was to love her. Her smile could light up a room and her laugh was infectious. She never met a stranger and made everyone around her feel special and loved. Her big personality left an imprint on so many and will be sorely missed.

Family and faith were most important to her. She gave so much of her time and energy to her family, making sure everyone was well taken care of. Every day, she went far beyond what was required or asked of her. She put everything she had into raising her children, while also working in customer service, and was such an amazing supporter. Much of her life was driven by her faith. She faced every obstacle with courage and trust in God. She was a faithful member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church and found great comfort in that community.

She was a social butterfly and enjoyed outings with friends to their Pokeno and Bonko games. In recent years, she and Carroll traveled together in their camper and took cruises with friends. One of her greatest adventures was a family trip to Paris, France. She had a travelers spirit and love for adventure.

She was welcomed into Heaven on Monday, April 11, 2022 by her parents, Robert and Ruby Fontenot; and a brother, Reed Fontenot.

Those left to cherish her memory; her husband of forty-two years, Carroll Lawson; children, Justin (Leila) Richard, Kasie (Parker) Viator, Kori (Brent) Brame; grandchildren, Lily, Ollie, Beckett, and Emersyn; siblings, Bobby (Kathy) Fontenot, Rodney (Frances) Fontenot, Ryan (Sandy) Fontenot, and Lisa Fontenot (Jim); and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Cremation was entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home. Family to welcome friends Wednesday, April 13, 2022 beginning at 5pm to 8pm. A Rosary to be prayed at 6pm. Visitation to resume Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 9am until 10am. Funeral services, led by Father Jace Eskind will be held at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church beginning at 10:30am. Inurnment services to follow at Consolata Cemetery.