Gloria Jean Lawson

Gloria Jean Lawson was born to Ferne and Milton Peterson on January 27, 1934, in Moline, Illinois. She passed away peacefully at Silver Cross in Rock Island, Illinois, on September 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday September 21, 2026, at the Swedona Lutheran Church, 1493 Knoxville Road, Lynn Center, IL. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Swedona Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Swedona Lutheran Church.

Gloria graduated from Orion High School in 1952. She met Harold Millard Lawson, and they were married on May 1, 1953. Together, Harold and Gloria welcomed their first child in January of 1954 and went on to have five more children.

Gloria fulfilled her dream of becoming a wife and mother, a role she embraced with all her heart. She took great pride in her family and devoted her life to loving, caring for, and supporting those closest to her.

Gloria experienced much loss and tragedy throughout her life, including the loss of many loved ones. Through it all, she remained strong in her Christian faith. Her faith, strength, and unwavering love became a foundation for her entire family.

Gloria taught those around her the importance of kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and, above all, love for one another. Those who knew her often said that she was never quick to pass judgment and always looked for the good in everyone. Her gentle heart and ability to love unconditionally touched countless lives.

Gloria will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her beautiful legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on in the many lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; children, Joel Lawson, James Lawson, Cheryl Lawson; brother, Mahlon Peterson; daughter-in-law, Laura Lawson; son-in-law, Tim Swanson; granddaughter, Robin Watson; grandson, Jonathan Lawson; and great grandsons, Nicholas Lawson and Tyler Snyder.

She is survived by her children, Cara (Mark) Craft of Viola, Carolyne Swanson of Lynn Center, Jason Lawson (Emily Wignall) of Alpha; 13 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren with one great grandchild on the way.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.