Bonnie Leota (Breece) Lawson was born at her family home on December 26, 1928, in Lost City, Oklahoma. She went to her heavenly home on July 12, 2025, at the age of 96. She was the fourth of five daughters of Early and Freeda (Watkins) Breece:  Juanita, Oleta, Loreta, Leota, and Lola. She attended school through most of the tenth grade then attended Muskogee Beauty College. Leota graduated from Muskogee Beauty College in 1946. She had a passion for being a beauty operator. Leota married Bill Lawson on January 10, 1947, and had three wonderful children. In 1968, she opened "Leota's Beauty Shop" in Hulbert, Oklahoma and in March 1993 moved the shop into her home in Wagoner. Leota loved "her ladies." Her favorite hobbies and pastimes were sewing, crocheting, quilting, gardening, painting, garage sales, canning, and spending time with family. A favorite game of hers was chicken foot (dominoes). A wonderful cook, Leota was famous for her "fried tators" and pecan pies. Leota is lovingly survived by her sister Lola Saxon, son Jim Lawson (Gale), son Ron Lawson (Joyce), and daughter Janet Hollandsworth; six grandchildren Eslie Jordan, Robert Lawson (Angela), Brent Lawson (Debbi), Susan Ledford (Steven), David Lawson (Angie), Julie Bushyhead (Tim); eight great grandchildren Mickayla Lawson, Josh Palmer, Traci Bowman, Mason Ledford, Judah Lawson, Darren Ledford, Mackenzie Lawson, and Gideon Lawson; one great great grandson Canaan Lawson; many nieces and nephews; as well as extended family and friends. In addition to her parents, Leota was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Lawson, sisters and brothers in law:  Juanita (Clifford), Oleta (Homer), Loreta (Buck), and brother-in-law Pete. Leota will be deeply missed by her family and friends, who will cherish her memory and the moments spent with her. Her final resting place will be next to her momma at Lost City Cemetery.

The family will gather with friends from 5-7 pm Friday for a Visitation at Mallett Funeral Home.

Viewing will begin at 11 am on Friday.

The Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 11 am at the Church of God in Wagoner, OK. The Reverend Bruce VonWald will officiate.

Interment will be in Lost City, Cemetery, Cherokee County, Oklahoma.

Please click here to view the memorial slideshow honoring Leota Lawson.