Irene Lawson

Irene Lawson, Kingston's First African American Registered Nurse, passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at her home in Kingston, NY surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 1, in Kingston, NY and was the daughter of the late Christopher and Mattie (Kennedy) Miller. Irene was married to Joseph Lawson, Sr. for over 40 years before he passed away in 1997.

Irene graduated from Albany Medical School. After graduation she worked for Kingston Hospital, where she was the first African American Registered Nurse in Kingston. While working at the hospital, Irene always believed that every newborn should be greeted with a big smile and kiss and she would even whisper to them "everything will be all right." Irene's love, kindness, soft spoken sweet voice has touched many throughout her life. She was committed to a life of service to her friends, family, community, and profession.

Irene was a member of AME Zion Church on Franklin Street. She enjoyed dancing and gardening. She was an avid doll and angel figurine collector. She loved watching the shopping channels.

She is survived by her son, Douglas Lawson (Marcy) and her grandchildren, Jeress Brodhead, Jeremy Lawson (Lisa), Vanessa Lawson (Ava), and Jerell Brodhead (Von). She is survived by her brother, Arthur Miller and his wife Joyce Miller. She also leaves behind her goddaughter, Alice Williams, daughter-in-law, Roxanne Lawson. Her best friend, Roberta Keogan and her long-time friend, Allen Kane.

Irene is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sons, David Lawson and Joseph Lawson. Her sister, Lilian Knox and her husband George Knox, brother, Chris Miller and his wife Helen Miller, brother-in-law, John Lawson and his wife Emily Lawson.

Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston, NY 12401, where family and friends may visit on Tuesday April 20, 2021 from 4pm to 7pm. The funeral service will be held at 11am on Wednesday April 21, 2021 at the funeral home with burial following in Montrepose Cemetery, Kingston. If you would like to attend the visiting hours or funeral service in person, please reserve your space here: https://app.planhero.com/gatherings/8715-irene-lawson-visiting-hours

If you would like to attend the funeral service via FaceBook Live, please click here and watch the livestream: https://www.facebook.com/KeyserCarr/

For those who wish, contributions in Irene's memory may be made to Hudson Valley Hospice at www.HVHospice.org or Riverview Baptist Church, 240 Catherine St., Kingston, NY 12401. A tribute for Irene may be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com , where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for her family