Beverly Lawson

Beverly Gwyen Lawson (Gray) died after a private battle with pancreatic cancer in Roswell, New Mexico on Sunday, September 27, 2020 at the age of 69.

Beverly is survived by her mother, Lavon Gray of Roswell, NM; husband, Donald Lawson of Roswell, NM; three daughters: Kara Mendez of Spring, TX, Dana Lawson of Damascus, OR and Gena Lawson of Albuquerque, NM; one brother, Gene Gray of Dexter, NM. She is preceded in death by her father, Joseph A. Gray and her son, Jeremy S. Burke, both of Roswell, NM.

Beverly was born in Roswell, New Mexico to Joseph and Lavon Gray on October 14, 1950. She graduated from Dexter High School in 1968. She married Donald R. Lawson, October 6, 1976. In 1979, they welcomed a daughter and moved to Eunice, NM. After moving to Eunice, Beverly had two more daughters and grew her small family. She was a member of the American Legion, and a reporter for the Eunice newspaper. In 1991, she graduated from New Mexico Junior College and earned her license as a Registered Nurse.

Beverly was a skilled nurse who cared for the community of Eunice and Hobbs, working in clinics and Lea Regional Medical Center in several departments. She also used her talent and skill for healthcare to enter into the field of dialysis nursing. After living in Hobbs, she relocated to Rio Rancho to help open dialysis treatment centers in the pueblos of Santo Domingo, Laguna and Jemez (working in Cuba). She retired from nursing in Fall of 2017 and moved back to Roswell to be near her mother and relax.

Bev was also skilled at many things such as singing, calligraphy art, interior design and the art of conversation. She could answer almost any trivia question you tossed her way and was always ready for a good book. Beverly was a passionate woman who cared greatly about the Native American communities that became so dear to her heart and all of her many patients over her career in nursing.

Per Beverly’s final wishes, services will not be held. A private ceremony by her children and many grandchildren will be held at a later date. Beverly donated regularly to several nonprofits that provided services for the Indigenous communities of New Mexico. In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that you consider donating to a charity in her name that helps one of these communities.