Gladys Surgener Lawson

Gladys Surgener Lawson, 91, of Kingsport, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Sunday, April 6, 2014, following a brief illness. A native of Evarts, KY, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Ludie Pace Surgener.

In her earlier years, Gladys and her husband co-owned The Chat N' Chew, which happened to be the first drive-in restaurant in Kingsport and also owned New Market Grocery in Bloomingdale. During her life she also worked at Borden Mill, Holston Army Ammunition Plant, and Fort Henry Gulf. Gladys loved to sew and crochet. She was a member of Kingsley United Methodist Church. Gladys was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family and especially looked forward to Sunday gatherings and participating in other family activities. Family was what meant the most to Gladys.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Eckle Lawson; sisters, Edith Harvel, Marie Rasnic, Norma Jean Barker, and two infant sisters, Mildred and Geneva Surgener; brother, Abe Surgener; and daughter-in-law, Judy Lawson.

Gladys is survived by her daughter, Barbara McCray and husband, Bob of Kingsport; sons, Jerry W. Lawson and wife, Gail of Kingsport, and Carroll "C.T." Lawson of Gray; seven grandchildren, Evelyn Pendleton and husband, Paul, Sherry Yelton, Sarah Eenkema and husband, Robert, Mary Cato, Kathy Needham and husband, Craig, Thomas E. Lawson and wife, Crystal, and Amy Pratt and husband, Scott; sixteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-granddaughters; a great-great-grandson due in July; sister, Wanda Fields and husband, Ralph of Kingsport; and many cousins and nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and staff of Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center-W3, and Wellmont Hospice for all of their compassionate care for Gladys.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 9, 2014, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Kingsley United Methodist Church. The service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Adam Love and Rev. Ray Amos officiating.

The graveside service will be on Thursday, April 10, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be a grandson and great-grandsons.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kingsley United Methodist Church, 2828 Bloomingdale Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660, or Vermont United Methodist Church Love Meals, 1817 Bloomingdale Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660, or Vernon Heights Baptist Church, 2547 Russell St, Kingsport, TN 37660.