Elaine J Lawson

WILMINGTON — Elaine J. Lawson, 67, a beloved mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and best friend, went to her heavenly home to meet her Lord and savior on March 23, 2023. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Elaine was born January 26, 1956. A beautiful soul, inside and out, she did not judge anyone for anything and loved everyone just the way they were — a true example of being a Christian. She would give you the shirt off her back and never speak of it again.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, Patricia Elizabeth Martin and William Ernest Jarman Sr. She is survived by her two sons, Timothy O’Neil and David O’Neil, both of Wilmington; two sisters, Mae Cook and Cindy Reeves; one brother, William “Billy” Ernest Jarman Jr. and his wife, Betty, of Leland; her two nephews Shane Higgins and wife Liz, of Asheville, NC, and Taylor Higgins — Elaine was like a second mom, having helped raise them both.

Other nephews include Kyle Reeves and wife, Jennifer, Christopher Reeves and BJ Jarman; a great-nephew, Eli Reeves; as well as Elaine’s two aunts, Debbie Williams and husband Mike, and Thelma Kay Core; numerous loving cousins; and too many best friends to name, but a few include Cheryl Davis, Beth White, Susan Boykins and Martha Russ.

Elaine was an active member of Long Leaf Baptist Church and loved everyone at church like second family. She volunteered for everything she could, from Easter egg hunts and group outings to see Christmas lights, to helping First Fruit Ministries, a nonprofit dedicated to helping the homeless. She also participated in a mission trip to Anchorage, Alaska.

Elaine loved God, her family, her church, and her friends. She also loved adventure and had many, such as going to the mountains with her sisters and friends. Elaine equally loved the beach, sunsets and taking photos of everything with her cell phone. She was extremely talented, sometimes taking better pictures than her sister and cousin did with their cameras.

Also a talented gardener, Elaine tended to all her plants, both inside the house and outside. She took beautiful photos of her flowers and plants to share with everyone.

Elaine had so many great qualities, but she will be most remembered for her faith, strength, and spirit. When diagnosed with cancer, she never lost hope and maintained a smile for everyone.

Rather than focus on the negative, Elaine was always optimistic. She continued to encourage everyone around her and always had a smile and kind word. She not only kept up her own spirits but lifted all of our spirits as well.

Elaine will be missed, but she will live on in all of our hearts until we meet again.

There will be a memorial service to honor Elaine’s life at Long Leaf Baptist Church on April 15, 2023 at 11 a.m.

Aquamation services have been entrusted to Tranquility Cremation by Aquamation.