Helen Jeanette Lawson, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Shawnee at the age of 64.

Helen was born on November 1, 1961, in Boley, Oklahoma, to Bessie Lee (Smith) Willis and O.C. Willis Sr. She was one of eleven children and was raised in the close-knit community of Boley, where she graduated from Boley High School with the Class of 1979.

Following high school, Helen continued her education, first attending the University of Oklahoma before completing her studies at Okmulgee Tech. It was there that she discovered and nurtured a lifelong passion for cooking. For Helen, preparing meals was much more than a profession, it was her love language. She found great joy in bringing people together around the table, always making sure family, friends, and anyone in need had a warm meal and a welcoming place to gather.

Her love of cooking carried over into a remarkable career that spanned 45 years. Helen faithfully served as a cook for the Action Agency Child Care Center, which later became Crossroads Youth & Family Services. Throughout her decades of service, she lovingly prepared countless meals for generations of children, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of the families she served.

Above all else, Helen was devoted to her family. She was a proud mother of two children and an adoring grandmother to seven grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with those she loved, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come. She also enjoyed spending peaceful days fishing, finding happiness in the simple moments of life.

Helen's faith was the foundation of her life. She was a longtime, faithful member of Saint John Baptist Church in Brooksville, Oklahoma, where she worshipped for many years and lived out her faith through kindness, compassion, and service to others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bessie Lee (Smith) Willis and O.C. Willis Sr.; her husband, Robert Lawson Sr.; her brothers, Charles Johnson and Arthur Willis; her sisters, Doris Wiles, Norma Jean Bates, and Olivia Woodfork; and her sister-in-law, Paulette Johnson.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Tammara Willis and Robert Lawson Jr.; her seven beloved grandchildren, Kavren Willis, Javian Lawson, Jordan Milligan, Amiyah Lawson, Ethan Lawson, Zaria Ballard, and Kamron Lawson; her brothers, Larry Johnson, O.C. Willis Jr. and wife Patricia, and Dwight Willis and wife Kathy; her sisters, Linda Ricks, Sylvia Kalip, Betty Logan, and Jewel Hicks; her sisters-in-law, Sandra Johnson and Karen Lawson; her brother-in-law, Renaldo Wiles; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Helen will be remembered for her warm heart, generous spirit, unwavering faith, and the love she poured into every meal she prepared and every life she touched. Her legacy of kindness, dedication, and devotion to family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.