Edith Lawellin

(From Parker Mortuary)

Edith Land Lawellin, age 84, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 2nd, 2017, after a brief illness.

Edith was born January 19th, 1932, in Neosho, MO, to James Harvey Land and Nettie Leuella Farmer Land. They preceded her in death, as did her two sisters, Grace Land and Helen Land Trotter, and her two brothers, Forrest Land and his wife Helen, and Julius Land and his wife Arlene. Edith was also preceded in death by her husband of almost 57 years, Duane Donald Lawellin, and her daughter-in-law, Esther Wright Lawellin.

After graduating from Neosho High School, Edith attended Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg (PSU), where she and her college sweetheart, Duane, were crowned Apple Day Queen and King in 1952. The two married on May 25, 1952, and later raised two sons, Daniel Douglas Lawellin and Donald Dale Lawellin. Edith and Duane were active with the PSU Alumni association and have continued to support the school through the Duane D. and Edith L. Lawellin Scholarship Fund.

Edith was an active member of the community, serving First Community Church since 1957 in several roles including church youth director. She also served as a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, a member and past President of the Joplin Women's Club, a member of the Joplin Board of Realtors, and one of the first female members of the Joplin Elks club. Edith enjoyed vacationing to a variety of destinations, some of her favorites of which included the Colorado Rocky Mountains and Hot Springs, AR. She was a competitive Bridge player and participated in several Bridge clubs with her many friends. Edith was a loving mother and grandmother, an exceptional seamstress, and a superb homemaker.

Edith is survived by her two sons, Douglas Lawellin, of Joplin, MO, and Donald Lawellin and wife Margaret of Mountain Home, AR; ten grandchildren, Daniel Lawellin and wife Kendyll of St. Louis, MO, Dacia Gomez and husband John of New Orleans, LA, Nathan Lawellin and wife Lindsay of Paducah, KY, Danita Martin and husband Jay of Dallas, TX, Audrey Lawellin, and Erin Lawellin; five great-grandchildren, Kendrick King-Lawellin, Kensington Lawellin, Corbin Gomez, Cameron Gomez, and Ivy Gomez; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held Day, January 7, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at First Community Church of Joplin with visitation following. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary. The family requests donations be made to First Community Church.