Born in St. Louis on July 15, 1959, Eric Hoffman Lawson is the third child and only son of Audrey Hoffman Lawson and William Alexander Lawson. While Eric was a toddler, his parents and eleven others founded Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in the family living room. Like his siblings, young Eric was baptized by his father and began a lifelong membership at Wheeler Avenue. He was a member of the Chapel Choir, Communications Corps, and Boy Scout Troup 242, becoming an Eagle Scout at the age of fourteen.

After graduating from Yates in 1977, Eric journeyed to Washington, DC to attend Howard University on scholarship, majoring in Business Administration. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Cum Laude, in Marketing from Texas Southern University, and, subsequently, received a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration from Prairie View University, Summa Cum Laude. Eric was passionate about Special Education services. Although Eric achieved leadership roles in education administration as a Resource Teacher, Special Education Administrator and Assistant Principal, his true commitment was student motivation. For thirty years -- on the campuses of Blackshear Elementary, B. C. Elmore, Ryan Middle, William A. Lawson Institute and Worthing High Schools -- Eric did everything from parent conferences to managing daily operations to attain realistic objectives that complied with state mandates.

Eric's health issues and his desire to spend more time with his now-widowed Dad led him to retire early. He was incredibly loyal and thoughtful towards his friends and family, sharing food, fun and ideas to solve world problems. Last month, Eric invited his Dad, his best friend, to a breakfast called "Men's Day."

On November 24, 2021, Eric joined his mother, Mrs. Audrey Hoffman Lawson, in eternal rest in the arms of the God he worshiped. Left to cherish his memory are his father, Reverend William Alexander Lawson; his sisters, Melanie Cerise Lawson, Cheryl Grace Lawson and Roxanne Lawson; his brothers-in-law, Thomas Robert Carter and John F. Guess; nieces Raven Justine Troup and Robyn Nicole Troup; her husband, Alex Koby, and their sons, Amadeus and Ronin; other family members, his extended Wheeler Avenue family, former students, co-workers and friends.

Services was be held at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Avenue on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Services were also be streamed on www.wheelerbc.org. Visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: WALIPP (William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity), P.O. Box 88327, Houston, TX 77288-0327. Or online at www.walipp.org/donate or by text: Eric to (832) 280-5443.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Dec. 5, 2021.