Jackie (Lawton) Tellis

Jackie Lawton Tellis, a beacon of love, friendship, and selflessness, was born on August 24, 1953, in Dothan, Alabama to the late Willie and Elizabeth Lawton. On November 17, 2023, at the age of 70, she peacefully passed away in her beloved hometown.

Jackie, the third of five children, was a source of joy and warmth for her family from a young age. She accepted Christ and committed her life to service when she joined Adam Street Baptist Church, now known as Greater Beulah Missionary Church. Her dedication to the church was evident in her roles as a Matron and Sunday School Teacher. Later in life, she became a cherished member of the Rhema Rock Church.

She found love and companionship with Sylester Tellis, to whom she was happily married. Jackie was preceded in death by her parents: Elizabeth Koonce Lawton and Willie Lawton; her sisters: Janice Yvonne Lawton Henderson and Cynthia Gail Harrison Corbitt; her aunt: Ruthie Lee Koonce; her very special friend Frank Mitchell; and her step-son Bruce Mitchell.

Despite these losses, Jackie's legacy continues through her children, step-children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her love remains a guiding light for her four children: Shelia Lawton, Cecelia Tellis (Gregory Boykin), Heshimu Tellis, Amina Tellis (Bobby Reeves). Her spirit lives on in her step-children: Frankie Mitchell, Anita (Lounorris) Godwin, and Olivia (Lorenzo) Starling. She was a proud grandmother to fifteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. Her siblings: Charles Koonce, Linda Sue Lemons, Annie McGhee, Mary (Truman) Williams, Kawanna Lawton, Willie Lawton, Jr., and her special friends: Helen (Jerry) Flucker, Ann Bivens, Gloria Godwin, will remember her fondly, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Jackie was renowned for her love of cooking, a passion she pursued with great joy. She found happiness in the little things: taking trips, being glamorized, listening to her favorite gospel songs, and most importantly, spending quality time with family and friends. She held a special place in her heart for her church family and was a constant source of support and love for them.

In the words of Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Jackie Lawton Tellis embodied this sentiment perfectly. Her caring, friendly, and selfless nature brought comfort and joy to all who knew her. She radiated love, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known her.

As we bid farewell to Jackie, we remember not just her passing, but the remarkable life she lived, the love she shared, and the happiness she brought into our lives. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who loved her.

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