Wyndolyn Janet Lawson Hairelson Black, age 79, of Pensacola, Florida, entered her eternal home on November 20, 2024 after an unexpected illness.
Janet was born in Ponce de Leon, Florida on March 18, 1945 to Adam Ray Lawson, Sr. and Wyndolyn Conley Lawson. As an Air Force brat, she traveled through or lived in almost every state in the US - including Alaska.
Upon graduation from high school, Janet moved with her family to Germany and at 18 years old worked as a secretary for the Air Force European Command and met the love of her life, Emery Beasely Hairelson, on a blind date. She was married to Emery for 36 years and they had two children - Larry and Becky. After Emery died of early onset Alzheimer's, Janet was married to Keith Black.
During her working years, Janet held multiple jobs as an executive administrative secretary in law offices, an architectural firm and churches - where she used her gifts of organization, writing, creativity and blessing others.
She loved the Lord and the Church and she had previously been an active member of Palatka First Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Monroeville, Perdido Bay Baptist Church and was currently a member of Bellview Baptist Church in Pensacola. Over the years she served as a Sunday School teacher, puppet ministry director, youth group leader, missions trip leader and church wedding director. In recent years she was a faithful member of the Joy Sunday School class at Bellview Baptist Church - her extended family. She was a volunteer at Safe Harbor Pregnancy Medical Center, and worked on her church's National Day of Prayer program, among other ministries.
Janet loved her family and friends and was known for her delicious cooking, decorating and service to others. She was passionate about crafting, making cards for friends and loved ones and the University of Alabama football team. Janet painted with watercolors, crocheted and cross stitched. She loved living on Perdido Bay and Perdido Key, and she collected beach shells, ladybugs and Christmas nutcrackers.
Janet was preceded in death by Adam Ray Lawson, Sr. - father, Wydolyn Conley Lawson - mother, Adam Ray Lawson, Jr. - brother, Emery Beasley Hairelson - husband, and Keith Black - husband. She is survived by Lawrence Hairelson - son, Rebecca Hairelson - daughter and many special cousins, family and friends.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Peter Bercz, pulmonologist, and the 3rd floor ICU nurses John M., Jill and Amy at Baptist Hospital for their care for Janet.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Safe Harbor Pregnancy Medical Center (SHfriends.org) or your local chapter of The Alzheimer's Association.
Janet's Celebration of Life service will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Pkwy, Pensacola, FL 32505, on Friday, December 13. Visitation will be at 1230 PM and the service will start at 130 PM with the burial following at St. John's Cemetery, 301 N G St, Pensacola, FL 32501.
The Rev. Billy Joseph and the Rev. Glenn Eubanks will be officiating.
Pallbearers - Odell Wilhite - cousin, Steve Malone - nephew, Steve Chapman - family friend, Rodney Sellers - family friend, and Tom Stanton - family friend.
Honorary pallbearers - Joy Sunday School Class at Bellview Baptist Church. |