Margaret Lawton Obituary

Margaret Ashby Baker Lawton LEXINGTON, SC - Beloved wife, mother, sister, and daughter, Margaret Ashby Baker Lawton, 67, died at home in Lexington on August 9, 2016. "Peggy" was born on September 27, 1948, in Savannah, Georgia, to Samuel Broughton and Margaret Camp Baker who raised her in Estill, South Carolina, with her two younger brothers Broughton and David. Throughout her life, Peggy was known for her tenacious spirit, her courage in the face of crises, her boundless empathy and compassion, and her devotion to her savior Jesus Christ. Peggy spent her childhood climbing trees, chasing her cousins, and disciplining her brothers who lovingly called her "Little Mama." As an adult, she devoted herself to caring for others through nuclear medicine. She began her studies at Duke Medical University and at Orangeburg Hospital where she cared for the victims of the Orangeburg Civil Rights Massacre of 1968. As a nuclear medicine technologist in Greenville, South Carolina, Peggy submerged herself into the role of caregiver, often praying for and befriending patients. Her reputation for compassion compelled her co-workers to nickname her "The Church Lady." Indeed, Peggy was the church lady. As a longtime member of St. Giles Presbyterian, she served as a cornerstone to the church and as catalyst for its progress. Peggy initiated the church's prayer chain in the 1980's, and she also assisted other churches in starting their own prayer chains. Later, Peggy trained to be a Stephen Minister and in turn spearheaded a successful program in the congregation. As a Presbyterian leader, Peggy served as an elder repeatedly, worked on the search committee for new pastors, preached sermons on occasion, and hosted a woman's retreat in which she taught other women how to pray. Peggy was a champion of seminary students, often encouraging them and supporting them, and serving for the presbytery on the Committee for Pastoral Preparation. Peggy's dogged efforts to support all aspects of church life were a reflection of a devout faith in her savior Jesus Christ. Through her example, she drew others to Christ, witnessing to them in words and deeds. Peggy could often be found in hospital waiting rooms, at the bedsides of the ill, or in the darkest moments of those in need. Her words of comfort and silent wisdom provided all who knew her with the peace of Christ. Peggy was quick to use her humor and candor to relieve those facing anxiety, grief, depression, and fear. Peggy served others through driving for Meals on Wheels, volunteering at the United Ministries Food Bank, and collecting donations for Lexington Interfaith Community Services. Peggy embraced the lost, the outcast, and the ostracized, always seeking ways to show grace and mercy in God's name. Married for nearly 48 years, Peggy was an adoring and loving wife to Wesley and a inimitably amazing mother to Ashby, Ginny, and Will. Her slapstick style and witty banter filled the house with laughter and excitement. Her energy and determination encouraged all of the family to seek adventure, never give up, and follow God with bold obedience. Peggy Lawton is survived by her husband Wesley Willingham Lawton, Junior; three children Ashby Lawton Jones (Bret), Virginia Lawton Wood (Charles), and Wesley Willingham Lawton III (fiance;e Stacy); as well as her brother David Blackshear Baker. Her seven grandchildren are her legacy. Their names are: Margaret Holly Jones, Houston Samuel Jones, Frances Ashby Wood, Wesley Willingham Lawton IV, James Lawton Wood, Scarlett Bancroft Wood, and Jackson Lee Lawton. Funeral services followed by a visitation will be held at 2:00 on Saturday at Estill Presbyterian Church, directed by Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home in Hampton. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Estill Presbyterian Church, 343 Clarke Ave., Estill, South Carolina 29918. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston