Lawson, Donna Jean Dittmer

Donna Jean Dittmer Lawson, 76, of Narrows, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 16, 2012, at Riverview Nursing and Rehabilitation in Rich Creek. She was born in Cheyenne, Wyo., on July 12, 1936, and was the daughter of the late Herman and Ruby Whittmer Dittmer. In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, James William (Jay) Lawson; and a brother, Ronald Dittmer. Jean was a retired employee of Giles County Social Services, where she served as a supervisor of the food stamp program, a volunteer with Carilion Giles Community Hospital Auxiliary, a longtime member of the VFW Post #6000 Ladies Auxiliary, and attended First United Methodist Church in Narrows. She followed her husband during his military career, and successfully raised a family at the same time. Her family was the light of her life. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, and friend, Jean will be dearly missed by her many loved ones and friends. Left to cherish her memory are two daughters, Cherie Merix and husband, Shaun, of Narrows, and Terri Franklin and husband, Brian, of Chesapeake Beach, Md.; four grandchildren, Chandra Flight and husband, Travis, Candace Merix, Ryan Franklin and Danielle Franklin; three great-grandchildren, Kirsten Flight, Tristan Merix and Zoey Merix; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and many special friends. Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 19, 2012, in the chapel of Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows with Pastor Eddie Kendall officiating. Burial will follow in Angels Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Riffe’s Funeral Service on Saturday, August 18, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. The family requests that those sending memorial contributions, please consider the Pearisburg Public Library, 209 Fort Branch Road, Pearisburg, VA 24134. The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.