Ellison Lawson, Jr

Ellison, the son of Ellison, Sr. and Katie B. Lawson, was born August 2, 1947 in Summerton, South Carolina. He departed this life on August 24, 2022 peacefully at his home. Ellison attended Clarendon County public schools and graduated from Scott’s Branch High School in Summerton, South Carolina. He continued his education at Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies. Ellison further advanced his studies by earning a Master’s of Education Degree from South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He also received his Administrative Certification in Education from the University of South Carolina. He taught in the public schools of Edgefield County briefly prior to being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968. He served one year in the U.S. Army’s First Infantry Division known as the Big Red One before he was wounded in combat during the Vietnam War, spending nearly two years recuperating from his injuries.

God blessed him to return to the field of education in Kershaw County at Camden High School prior to working 20 years as an Assistant Principal and Principal in Sumter County School District 17. He retired from Alice Drive Middle School in Sumter where he proudly served as the Principal of the school. He and the Alice Drive Middle School family shared a long-lasting and loving bond. While at Alice Drive Middle, Ellison also served as President of the South Carolina Principals’ Association now known as the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA).

Ellison was a dedicated member of St. Matthew United Methodist Church until his health failed. During his time here, he served as chairperson of the Board of Trustees and the United Methodist Men, and Chairperson of P/SPRC Pastor Parish Relations Committee. Ellison received a certificate from the Senate of the State of South Carolina in special recognition and honor of his distinguished service as a devoted member of St. Matthew United Methodist Church for exemplary military service and commitment to our country on the Church’s first Veterans’ Day Program awarded by the Honorable Senator Vincent A. Sheheen, District 27. After successfully completing the Doctor Dad Training Program, Ellison and Reverend Dr. James Smith organized a program at St. Matthew United Methodist Church working with young men under the National Fatherhood Initiative. The young men enjoyed participating in the program not only for the good food provided but the information they received.

In addition to his service to his church, he was a member of the NAACP and the Sanders Stoney American Legion Post 203. The Post recognized and presented him with a plaque for Honorable Military Service for his service during the Vietnam War. He also received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his military service. Ellison enjoyed watching sports and watching TV westerns. He helped coach the St. Matthew Community baseball team for a year or so.

Ellison was preceded in death by his mother, Mrs. Katie B. Lawson; his father, Mr. Ellison Lawson, Sr.; sisters, Susie Lawson and Sara Nickerson and brother, Harold Ragin.

Those left to cherish his precious memories: his wife of 53 years, Christine of the home; son, Kenneth B. (Sonya) Lawson of Camden, South Carolina; daughter, Kimberly Lawson of Charlotte, North Carolina; four sisters, Carrie Garnett of Fort Washington, Maryland, Luvenia (Johnathan) Hall of Springdale, Maryland; Julia Lawson of Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, Lutenia Ragin of Summerton, South Carolina as well as three brothers, Daniel E. (Lorraine) Lawson of Fayetteville, North Carolina, John (Janie) Green of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Arthur Felder of Summerton, South Carolina; one aunt, Laura De Clue of St. Louis, Missouri; three grandchildren, Christina Marie, Kenneth Ryan and Tyler Ellison Lyles Lawson of Camden, South Carolina; a very dear friend and buddy, Sammy B. James of Columbia, South Carolina; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.