On Sunday, August 11, 2013, God in His divine wisdom and eminent power called our loved one home. Essie P. Lawton was born June 11, 1924 in Norfolk County (later Chesapeake, VA) to the late Amos and Mary Alice P. Williams. She was predeceased by two sisters, Pearl Sherrod and Mattie Covil; four brothers, Tillie Williams, James Williams, Ernest Williams and Irvin Williams; niece, Gloria Phillips; grandson Stanley E. Wilson, Jr., and nephew Ernest Brazell.

Essie was a member of First Baptist Church West Munden since early childhood and sang in the Senior choir.

She leaves to cherish her memories two sons, Walter C. Lawton, Sr. (Valerie) of Atlanta, Georgia and Thaddeus M. Lawton (Debbie) of Chesapeake, VA; one daughter, Constance M. Lawton of Chesapeake, VA; eight grandchildren, Dion Adkisson (Leatrice), Walter C. Lawton, Jr., Natasha Lawton, Josiah Lawton (Mia), Maurice Lawton, Maurai Lawon, Zina D. Wilson and Gina Wilson-Gatling (Dewey); fifteen great-grandchildren, nine great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A home going celebration will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church West Munden, 1541 Lyons Avenue, Chesapeake. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will be held from 3-7pm Wednesday at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake.