Mary Belle Sowders Lawson age 92, of Artemus, was born there on January 6, 1924.  She was a daughter of the late George W. Sowders and Margaret Bray Sowders.  Mary Belle died Friday, May 13, 2016 at her home. She was a member of the Coalport Baptist Church. On December 19, 1945, she united in marriage to Ralph Lawson and to this union two beloved sons were born. Along with her husband, Ralph, she was preceded in death by a sister, Maydean Meeks; and brothers; Roy, Cecil, Ernest, Carson, Charlie, Howard, A.J. and John Harvey Sowders.

Mary Belle is survived by her sons; Clarence Lawson and wife, Jerry Sue and Rev. James Lawson and wife, Judy all of Artemus; her grandchildren; Sherry Elaine Hopper and husband, Dwight of Corbin; Michelle Lawson Swafford and husband, Bill of Barbourville; Craig Lawson of Artemus; Susan Margaret Lawson Lord and husband Darren of Artemus; James David Lawson and wife Carla of Artemus; great grandchildren; Brittaney Swafford Mason and husband, Stevie; Ashley Hopper, Amanda Hopper;
Benjamin Ralph Lawson, Wesley Lawson, Ashton Lawson, Madyson Lawson, Amelia Lord and Lucious Lord; great great grandchildren; Ki Andrew Mason, Slade Mason and another great great grandchild on the way; and a sister-in-law; Joann Sowders of Dayton, Ohio.

Funeral Services for Mary Belle Sowders Lawson will be conducted in the Hopper Funeral Home Chapel, Monday, May 16, 2016 at 2:00 pm with Rev. Gene Hubbs and Rev. Sylvester Dunn officiating. Burial will follow in the Barbourville Cemetery, with Darrell Mills, James David Lawson, Craig Steven Lawson, Darren Lord,Benjamin Ralph Lawson and Michael Crawford serving as pallbearers. Friends will be received at the Hopper Funeral Home Sunday after 6:00 pm and Monday after 10:00 am until the funeral hour at 2:00 pm. Hopper Funeral Home will be in charge of all arrangements.