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Lawton, Barbara (Mrs. Bobby)

3/6/2012

BARBARA BLACK LAWTON

FEBRUARY 23, 1930 - MARCH 6, 2012

Barbara Margaret was born into the life of Robert and Luella Boutte Black in New Iberia, Louisiana. They lived a simple life on the dairy farm in a little one bedroom house. In 1932, they gave her a sister, Bonnie Jean, who became the central figure and joy of her childhood. They nurtured both with family values, Sunday School, and a love for education.

Barbara graduated from New Iberia High School and Centenary College. She was an honor scholar at both places. She belonged to the Chi Omega sorority. She would say, "One day I saw Bobby Lawton, fell in love instantly, and from that moment he was the love of my life." They married on August 20, 1952 and spent the next 59 1/2 years together. She became "the preacher's wife." She made each parsonage a real home knowing that each would be a very temporary place of shelter. As her children were born, her priority became providing a real Christian example.

When her children (Lady, Doug, John, and Robin) got out of bed each morning, breakfast would be ready and they would find their mother reading the Upper Room devotional and studying her Bible. In daily life, she practiced her strong faith. She taught Sunday School and participated in Bible School in every community where they lived. She taught her children that home was "not a place on a map, but wherever we were together with her and Daddy."

In Plain Dealing, Barbara discovered a little girl named Rosie, who was not learning to read because of vision problems. She went off to the Lions Club, got Rosie glasses, and began to teach her at the kitchen table of her home. She caught Rosie up and the child became happy at school. Over the years, there was always a Rosie. At each charge, the Lawton home became the center of the neighborhood where children were welcomed with home baked snacks, a listening ear, and help with homework. As the children matured, it became apparent that Mama, Mother, Mom was generous and selfless. Our chosen life partners became a part of her heart and home. When there were successes, she congratulated warmly. When failure or the "bumps of life" came, she comforted, consoled, and prayed with us and for us. She did the same for her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and those around her. Her warm welcoming Christian spirit will be missed by family, friends, and neighbors.

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Lawton, Barbara (Mrs. Bobby)