Zelia Marie Lawson

Zelia Marie Shifflett Lawson, 94 of Quinque, Va. passed away on February 2, 2026 at the Hospice House in Charlottesville, Va. She was born in Charlottesville, Va. on November 25, 1931 to Jerry and Mary Frances Shifflett. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Haywood J. Lawson and her siblings, Mary Snow, Madeline Morris, Rachel Snow, Wilbert Shifflett, and Clarence Shifflett.
She was married to Haywood Lawson for 64 years. Together they had two daughters, Kim L. Strong and Joy L. Woolard.
Zelia graduated from Broadus Wood in Earlysville, Va. and attended the Jefferson School of Commerce where she mastered shorthand (writing notes that her children could not read). She worked at the telephone company and Sperry Rand prior to her 32-year career with the Federal Government, beginning her profession with the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and retiring with the Department of Defense. She was a member of Stanardsville United Methodist Church and had a passion for arranging flowers for church services and other occasions.
Zelia loved nature. She could be found in her flower garden tending to her daffodils, irises, dahlias, and pulling weeds for hours on end. She grew a garden filled with strawberries, corn, green beans, cress salad, potatoes, and tomatoes. She enjoyed walking around the block and sitting on her porch listening to the birds singing.
Zelia earned the title of Master Gardener. This enabled her to serve as a Master of National Flower Show Judge at county fairs throughout the surrounding counties. She was a Parliamentarian for 14 years, filling her positions with great efficiency and dedication.
She is survived by her daughters, Kim Lawson Strong (Bill) and Joy Lawson Woolard (Allen). She is also survived by her sisters, Dottie Whitt (Al) and Bertha Adams (Gene). Finally, Zelia is survived by four grandchildren, Jenny Strong Holfer (Chip), Mitchell William Strong (Jess), Kristen Woolard Kent (Dan), and Hannah Elizabeth Woolard; four great-grandchildren, Callie Belle Holfer, Ryder Hayes Holfer, Scarlett Jewell Holfer, and Addison (Addie) Marie Strong.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Stanardsville United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 740, Stanardsville, Va. 22973, attn: Flower Fund or Tuesday’s Table.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Stanardsville United Methodist Church. 25 Court Street, Stanardsville, Va. with visitation and reception following the service. Paster Chuck Winner will officiate. Because of her love of flowers, if possible, please wear floral patterned clothing.