Pastor Frank Marshall Lawson

A Faithful Servant of God, A Pillar in the Community, A Pastor After God’s Own Heart

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” — Matthew 25:23

Reverend Frank Marshall Lawson was born June 25, 1933, in Mansfield, Texas, he was the beloved son of Wilburn and Lillian (Moody) Lawson. Even his arrival into the world on a Sunday foreshadowed the divine call that would shape his entire life.

Early Life & Spiritual Foundation

Reverend Lawson was reared in the strong faith tradition of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield, Texas, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. C.C. Carson. There his love for worship, service, and the Word of God took deep root. He attended Booker T. Washington School in Midlothian, later continuing his academic journey at Bishop College in Dallas, the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, and the Oklahoma School of Religion. His commitment to learning reflected his unwavering desire to rightly divide the Word of Truth.

A Life of Strength, Calling, and Commitment

As a young man, Frank developed remarkable discipline as a professional boxer, competing as a light heavyweight champion. Yet even greater than the strength of his hands was the strength of his spirit. In 1959, the Lord spoke to his heart, and he humbly accepted the call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Pastoral Ministry — Over 50 Years of Faithful Shepherding.

From that moment, Reverend Lawson devoted his entire life to the service of God and to the uplifting of His people. God entrusted him with congregations across Texas and Oklahoma, each of which experienced his unwavering dedication, his powerful preaching, and his compassionate leadership.

• St. Paul Baptist Church, Alvarado, TX — May 1959–August 1966

• Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Fort Worth, TX — August 1966–March 1972

• Organized Bright Morning Star Baptist Church, Fort Worth, TX — March 1973–April 1980

• Bethel Baptist Church, Tatums, OK — June 1980–June 2011 (Retirement)

Even after retiring, Rev. Lawson never retired from the Gospel. He continued preaching, singing, encouraging, and lifting the name of Jesus everywhere he went.

A Man of Music & Praise

Reverend Lawson came from a singing family and used his musical gift as an extension of his ministry. He was a member of a gospel group called “ The Texas Wonders” and later he sung with three former family groups  The Lawson Singers, The Spiritual Relators, The Little Lawson Singers, and later with The Dedicated Voices. His voice carried the sound of faith, hope, and perseverance—blessing congregations near and far.

Work, Service, and Community Influence

In addition to his pastoral leadership, Rev. Lawson worked for General Dynamics, the Texas Steel Mill for more than 25 years, and served as a chef in numerous restaurants. He dearly loved cooking for his family, church members, and friends. Whether in the pulpit, the kitchen, or the community, he served with excellence, humility, and joy.

Family & Love

On November 10, 1950, he met and married the love of his youth, Annie Mae Cepheus. Their union of 46 years and 10 months brought forth seven children—five boys and two girls. After her passing in 1997, God blessed him again to find companionship. He later married Essie Ola Henderson in May 1998, and they remained devoted until her passing in 2013.

Heaven’s Reunion

Reverend Frank Marshall Lawson, a mighty soldier of the Gospel and a pastor who faithfully served God’s people for more than half a century, exchanged time for eternity on Sunday, November 30, 2025, Awaiting him in glory are his loving parents, his siblings, his wives Annie Mae and Essie Ola, Dr. Frank Lawson Sr., Wilburn L Lawson Sr , Rev Paul M. Lawson , Barbara Ann Lawson Kimbrough, two grandsons, and two granddaughters. Because of his faith in Christ, we rejoice that he is now resting in the presence of the Lord he served so faithfully.

Left in the caring hands of God are his Children: Rev. Clyde I. Lawson (Ella), Gerald Lawson (Merlene) , Pauletha Amos

Generational Blessings

• 46 grandchildren

• 46 great-grandchildren

• 16 great-great-grandchildren

A special sister in love , Elizabeth Chavis ,A multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, and friends join together in gratitude for a life that touched thousands.

A Legacy That Will Never Fade

Reverend Frank Marshall Lawson lived what he preached, loved whom he served, and walked faithfully with God for more than 92 years. His life stands as a testament to the power of unwavering faith, the strength of a servant’s heart, and the impact of a preacher committed to God’s call.

He fought a good fight.

He finished his course.

He kept the faith.

To God be the glory for the life, ministry, and legacy of Reverend Frank Marshall Lawson.