Jerry Lynn Lawson
January 29, 1950 - July 21, 2025

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions Visitation Hampton Inn of Monticello Hwy. 425 North Monticello ,  AR 71655 7/26/2025 3:30-6:00 p.m. Map & Directions Memorial Service Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello ,  AR 71657 7/26/2025 2:00 p.m. Map & Directions

Jerry Lynn Lawson, age 75 of Monticello, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025, at Baptist Health in Little Rock, AR. He was born January 29, 1950, in Elaine, AR to the late Jesse James Lawson and Geraldine Cruce Lawson.
He was a retired Lab Technician at Clearwater Paper and was of the Baptist faith. Jerry enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with his family and his “golden child” dog, and hanging out at the deer camp with friends. He was also a believer in education having never missed a day of school from Kindergarten through 12th grade. He was a graduate from the University of Arkansas at Monticello where he obtained his degree in Agriculture with a minor in Chemistry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, James, Bill, Lonnie, Willard, Leslie, Charles, Rufus, Everett and Douglas; and sisters, Naomi, LaVel, Wanda and Lorraine.
Jerry was a man whose heart was as big as the outdoors he loved so dearly. Jerry lived a life full of purpose, joy, and connection, and while we feel the weight of his absence, we also feel the warmth of his legacy. Jerry was happiest under the open sky. He found peace in the quiet of the woods, excitement in the thrill of the hunt, joy in the gentle rhythm of casting a line into calm waters, or just sitting on the front porch watching his birds. Nature was his sanctuary, and he embraced every moment spent outdoors with gratitude and wonder.
But what truly made Jerry's life rich was the love he had for his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, a proud and loving daddy, and a deeply cherished papa. His family was his greatest treasure, and he never missed a chance to show how much they meant to him. At the center of Jerry's life was his beloved wife, Kathy. She was his soulmate, his steady rock, and his greatest joy. Their love was deep and enduring - a true partnership built on laughter, devotion, and shared memories.
Jerry had a special gift for bringing people together. He loved having get-togethers with his family and friends - whether it was a backyard barbecue, a holiday gathering, or just a casual evening filled with laughter and storytelling. Those moments of togetherness were where Jerry shined brightest. He believed that life was meant to be shared, and he made sure everyone around him felt welcome, valued, and loved.
He also had a soft spot for his feathered friends. Jerry loved his birds and took great joy in caring for them, watching them, and simply enjoying their company. And then there was Peppy- his loyal puppy, the golden child. Peppy wasn't just a pet; he was a constant companion, a source of comfort, and a true member of the family. The bond they shared was something special, and it brought Jerry so much happiness.
Jerry's kindness, steady presence, and sense of humor touched everyone who knew him. His friendships were built on loyalty and warmth, and his spirit will live on in the stories we tell, the traditions we carry forward, and the love we continue to share.
As we celebrate Jerry's life today, let us remember the joy he brought into our lives. Let us honor him by embracing the outdoors, cherishing our families, caring for the ones we love, and never missing a chance to gather with those who matter most. Rest well, Jerry. Your legacy lives on in every sunrise, every cast of a line, every bird's song, and every heartfelt laugh around the fire.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kathy McCloud Lawson of Monticello; three daughters, Cyndy Woods and husband Jason of Monticello, Ashley Anthony and husband Rick of Monticello, and Becky Johnson and companion Joe Ahlers of Iowa; one sister, Frances Hatcher of Texas; grandchildren, Hunter Irvin and wife Lindsey of Sheridan, Levi and Jaci Woods of North Carolina, Jacob Woods, Hunter Anthony, Tyler Gibson, Blake Gibson and Hannah Anthony all of Monticello, Hannah and Shelby Johnson of Iowa; three great grandchildren, Heath, Daisy and Harvey; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Tim Christmas officiating. There will be a visitation after the memorial service from 3:30-6:00 p.m. at the Hampton Inn. You can sign Jerry’s guestbook registry here on his page.