Edith Adams Taylor Lawler passed away on August 5, 2017, at the age of 99. She was born April 22, 1918 in Bladen County (near Elizabethtown), North Carolina. She is predeceased by her parents, Edwin G. and Lydia M. Adams, first husband Ervin D. Taylor, second husband M/SGT (USMC Retired) John M. Lawler, a daughter, Janice (Jan) Roberts Murtland, sister Maude Rich Scott (Roland), and 2 grandsons, Joey and Robin Roberts.
She is survived by two sons Jerry F. Taylor (Julia/Judy) of Athens, Alabama and Anthony (Tony) Roberts Lawler, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, who was born as her grandson and later adopted by Mrs. Lawler and husband John at age seven. She is also survived by: grandson Todd B. Taylor (Barbara) of Helena, Alabama, granddaughter Krista Taylor Wendle (Chris) of Trussville, Alabama, Grandsons Bart Murtland (Sherrie) of Dove Canyon, California, John Murtland of Escondido, California, eight great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Mrs. Lawler spent most of her early adult life in Wilmington, North Carolina. During World War II (1943-1946) she worked at the Wilmington Shipyard as a “Rosie the Riveter,” helping to produce 242 Navy and armed merchant ships that became a key factor in the winning of the war.
In December 1961, she remarried, to M/SGT John M Lawler and moved to Jacksonville, North Carolina where she remained until September, 2014, when she came to live with her son Jerry, and daughter-in-law, Judy, in Athens, Alabama. She was a faithful 50 year member of Bethlehem Baptist Church on Gum Branch Road, Jacksonville, North Carolina. She had a multitude of friends at Bethlehem Baptist and in the area where she lived, McArthur Estates where she will be remembered for her sweet disposition and generous soul.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 100 Half Moon Church Rd. (Gum Branch Rd. area) Jacksonville, NC 28546, on Thursday, August 10 at 11:00 AM. Remembrances should be directed to the Bethlehem Baptist Church.
