Dr. Cleo Hortense "Overton"Lawson ( 1914-2008 (Bib)

Dr. Cleo Hortense Robinson Lawson born 24 October 1914 was the last of the Robinson clan of her generation - four sisters and two brothers.

She was an incredible child, learning to read at three. She finished high school at 14 years old, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Tillotson College in 1935 and went on to the University of Boulder in Colorado. She taught school for the Austin Independent School District and she retired years later from the Texas State School of the Deaf in 1978.

She married James Otis Lawson in 1940 and they lived in Austin together until 1982 when he passed away. She is survived by her family:

She has two daughters, Kanani Kawaiolamanaloa Robinson who lives on Maui, HI and Dr. Kahealani Kawaiolamanaloa Satachitananda who lives in Kona, HI, and six grandchildren Keith Robinson of Austin TX; Kevin Robinson of Austin, TX; Kyron Robinson of Fairfield CA; Michele Sisson Jordan of Portland, OR; J'aime Ka'imi Sisson in Kona, HI; Sisily Ku'ulani Sisson in Kihea, HI; and 4 great grandchildren Jennica Robinson, Kyron Robinson, Mia Jordan, and Sydnee Jordan and her sister-in-law Hiroko Robinson of Clinton MD; her nieces H. Gayenelle Bell of Austin TX; Theodora Lawson of Houston TX; Cynthia Robinson of Houston TX; Colette Robinson of Japan;

Alice Lawson of Washington D.C. and her grandnieces Carita Guyton of Austin TX; and many other grand nieces and nephews, her extended family not mentioned.

Hortense Lawson lived many lives which include her family, her Church and her community. Active in the Austin Community, Hortense served on many Boards. She was active in her church, St. James Episcopal. Often the first to volunteer, her door was always open to friends, family and even to strangers. Some of the community activities included the Austin Community Gardens, The Pond Society, the Crop Walk, the Bamboo Society, and the Harvey Street Garden. She had a deep passion for the tropical plants that surrounded her house. She was and accomplished tailor and served as the initial Costumer for the Keito Academy of Ethno Cultural Performing Arts. Her handiwork clothed many a singer and dancer all over the US.

Her honors and awards include:

· She was presented with an honor for 54 years of service to the City of Austin Election process as a Voter Registrar assistant, as an election worker, election judge…and teacher of judges!

· She received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest 20 May 1997

· The Senate and the Lt. Governor, Bob Bullock of the State of Texas flew the Lone Star Flag over the Capitol of Texas in her honor on 20 May 1997

· She received the Person of the Week Award from Fox 7 KTBC Austin for Outstanding Community Service 24 March 2000

· Honored on 22 June 2002 for service on the Board of Directors of Legal Aide of Central Texas