Kinston - Betty Kennedy Lawson, 72, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023.

Betty Bruce Lawson was born on February 18, 1951, in Kinston, NC, to Agnes Elizabeth Ricks Kennedy and William Bruce Kennedy. She graduated from Grainger High School and East Carolina University. Betty Bruce embraced life with enthusiasm, exemplifying intelligence and a deep commitment to teaching and inspiring others. She dedicated numerous years to educating students at Bethel Christian Academy and Lenoir County Schools. One of her greatest joys was interacting with individuals she had the privilege of teaching in prior years.

She is survived by daughter, Luan Lawson, and her husband Kenneth Lee Johnson II of Kinston; granddaughters Kaitlyn Johnson of Kinston, Avery Johnson of Kinston; and grandson, Aidan Johnson of Kinston.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Agnes Elizabeth Ricks Kennedy of Kinston; her father, William Bruce Kennedy of Kinston, NC; husband, Olin Thomas Lawson Jr. of Kinston; and daughter, Lara Kennedy Lawson of Kinston.

A graveside service to honor her life will be held at the Westview Cemetery at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 7, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gordon Street Christian Church, 118 E. Gordon St. Kinston, NC 28501.

Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.