Nell Lawley

Nell Allen Lawley left this earth for eternity in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil in early May. After much difficulty due to the current pandemic, her mortal remains were returned to Mobile, her home here in the United States.

Nell was a missionary, a missionary wife, a pastor's wife, a mother, a teacher, a principal, and most of all, a lover of God, which was her motivation to excel in all her roles. Along with her beloved husband of 70 years, James U. Lawley, she was instrumental in founding churches, a clinic, and a school. Her life was devoted to telling and showing the love of Jesus and was marked by service, courage, and strength in adversity wrapped in a very unassuming demeanor.

Her husband James, known by her as Honey, shared with her a love that survived almost 71 years. Their 71st anniversary would have been on June 5, and only death prevented that milestone. Their love was such that truly it can be said: her story can only be told with his story; or rather, their story.

Besides the love of her life, she leaves 5 children and their spouses, 12 grandchildren and 7 of their spouses, 14 great-grandchildren, one brother-in-law, two nieces, two nephews, along with friends and a spiritual family scattered across the United States and Brasil.

While the family mourns her loss, we are thankful to God for her love, her life of service, and her example.

Visitation will be open on June 4, 2020, between 10:00 AM and 12:00 Noon. A memorial and celebration service will be held at 12:00 noon with the internment following immediately afterward.

A recording of the celebration service is available below.