Ivan V. Lawson

On March 9, 1966, in Cleveland Ohio, Carrie Lawson -Smith and Monroe Smith welcomed their second son into the world, Ivan Veotis Lawson Sr. Ivan would be a younger brother to Charles Hill, and later would become a big brother to his only sister, Leona Lawson.

Ivan was a resilient kid. As a young child he attended Daniel Morgan Elementary School. After that he went on to attend Lincoln Jr high school and played football for the East High Blue Bombers. Ivan made an everlasting impression during his time at East High and made several lifelong friends that are still around to this day. He was not bound to one section; he was well known from East 105th street to 88th & Superior.

As time went on, Ivan and his childhood sweetheart, Melissa Jarvis, welcomed their first son into the world, Ivan Lawson Jr. Not long after Little Otis, came a beautiful baby girl, Navia Lawson. Ivan was a quiet and reserved person in his later years. He preferred the presence of his family and close friends. He enjoyed watching sports and having a brew with the fellas, he liked a variety of music from blues to hip hop to heavy metal. As Ivan matured in age, he dedicated his time to strengthening relationships with his family and providing care for his mother, the late Carrie Lawson.

Sadly, and extremely too soon, on November 5, 2022, Ivan Veotis Lawson Sr. Was called home to be with God and reunited with his mother, father, brother and so many others, in spirit. He leaves behind one sister, Leona Lawson; two children, Ivan Lawson Jr, and Navia Lawson; three grandchildren, Ivan Lawson III, Aivan Fleming, and Ace Flemings; seven nieces, three nephews, and a host of aunts, cousins, great nieces, great nephews, and very close friends, who will forever cherish his memories!