Marla Joyce Kerr-Lawson

The earthly life of Marla Joyce Kerr-Lawson came to an end Sunday September 10, 2023. Years of treatments and medical procedures interlaced with loving times with colleagues, friends and family are now only memories of the loved ones left behind.

Born April 23, 1951 in Mahaska, Kansas to R. Dean and Lorna Kerr, Marla then attended schools in Osborne, KS, Columbia, MO ultimately completing her BS degree in Biology at Minot, ND. Marla worked a variety of jobs throughout her adult life but found her true calling in the elementary school system of Mason City, Iowa. As a para-professional she served the school as librarian, reading specialist, and teacher of special needs students at Roosevelt Elementary School. It was through her love of children that Marla’s talents shone brightest.

Anyone who saw or heard of her work with those children would ever doubt where her heart resided. An even greater love was her husband Terry Lawson of almost 40 years, and their son Cory Lawson who survive Marla. She was preceded in death by her parents and her youngest brother Kelly Kerr. Also surviving Marla’s passing are brother Mike Kerr (Cathy), nephew Daniel Kerr (Kandis) and daughter Morrigan, Rebecca Kerr Munshaw (Gregg) and sons Colin and Evan, brother Kerry Kerr (Ruth), nephew Robert Kerr and niece Elizabeth Kerr, and sister-in-law Jill Clemmons-Kerr.

Marla was an avid reader, life-long learner, sewer, quilter, crafter and collector of all things family or hobby related. Marla was quick to donate her handy-work, time, materials or financial support to an organization or individual that was in genuine need and struggling. As the eldest child it was often Marla who kept lines of communication active and directed between family members scattered widely around the country. We will all miss her smile, that infectious family laugh, and her generous caring heart that was evident to anyone that knew her well.

In lieu of flowers the family requests you give/send memorials to: Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank, Box 1565, Mason City, Iowa 50402 (phone:641-424-3073).