Shalawn Michelle (Emerick) Lawrence, daughter of Bonnie Emerick, was born April 16, 1972, in Springfield, and unexpectedly departed this life Jan. 21, 2022, at her home in Mountain Grove. She was 49 years, 9 months and 5 days of age. She grew up in the Seymour and Mansfield communities with her large extended family. It was rare to see one of those ladies without the others. While they had their own quirks and disagreements, the family shared a strong bond that helped foster a supportive, special and unique family dynamic. She was a graduate of Mansfield High School in the Class of 1991. After graduation, she worked at the Tobin-Hamilton Shoe Factory, and soon after, obtained her CNA and worked in local nursing homes. Later, she worked as a family advocate for Ozark Action serving as a link between families and community resources. She liked helping people and making a difference in their lives. In her spare time, she loved spending time with family, especially taking walks with her grandchildren or going swimming with them out on 95. She also enjoyed being in nature, watching wildlife, spending time at the lake, camping, traveling to see new places, reading, listening to music, watching movies, viewing art, drawing, making crafts, sleeping, cooking, baking, eating, going to the zoo, as well as collecting skeleton keys and knick knacks. She liked to play cards and board games and was the master at Clue – no one ever beat her! She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Roy and Alfreda (Owens) Emerick; and one aunt, Beverly Cornelison. She is survived by her mother, Bonnie Emerick; two sons, Chance Emerick and Aaron Lawrence; one daughter, Chelsea Emerick and fiancé, Nathen Bohannon; two granddaughters, Maci and Addalie; one grandson, Aiden; one sister, Lori Cross and husband, Roger; two aunts, Betty and Barb Emerick; close friend and ex-husband, Sean Lawrence; as well as three nieces, one nephew, two great-nieces and one great-nephew; and a host of cousins, great aunts and uncles and other family members and friends who will miss her dearly. Shalawn was fun, outgoing and adventurous with a wild and free spirit. She had an infectious laugh that was unforgettable. She loved her family and was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt and was a caring friend. This past year she truly enjoyed her time attending services at Renovation Church and was strengthening her faith in God. She had come to love reading the Bible. She has left us far too soon, but we will fondly cherish the times we had together. The family would be grateful for memorial contributions to help cover funeral expenses. Those may be made to the family as a love offering or paid directly to Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mountain Grove. There will be a service to celebrate Shalawn’s life on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, at 1 p.m. at Renovation Church in Mansfield.
