Cordova, TN/East Stone Gap, VA-Cleda Irene Lawson, 87, of Cordova, Tennessee passed away on October 2, 2025, after a short illness.
Cleda was born on March 10, 1938, in Norton, Virginia to the late Quillen and Addie Bledsoe. Cleda was a 1958 graduate of East Stone Gap High School and Salutatorian of her class. She began her career in 1958 at the Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. She was Secretary in BAT “A Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training” in the Department of Labor and in 1960 was selected “Miss Department of Labor” in the Queen of the Government” contest. After 36 years, she retired from The Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. Cleda enjoyed working in the yard and visiting friends and neighbors where she lived for over 50 years in Upper Marlboro, Maryland before she moved to Cordova, Tennessee to be closer to family. Cleda was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Cleda was preceded in death by her loving husband of 42 years, George Lawson, 3 sisters, Nannie Hood, Dovie Johnson, Gay Nell Bolling, and 3 brothers, John Bledsoe, Howard Bledsoe, and Bill Bledsoe.
Cleda is survived by her youngest sister, Jean Stepp of Bartlett, Tennessee. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends who dearly loved her and will miss her.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 10:00am at American Legion Cemetery, in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, with Pastor David Bledsoe officiating.
Please meet at the cemetery by 9:45am.
Pallbearers will be: Gary Bledsoe, Darryl Bledsoe, David Bledsoe, Rob Blevins, Cokey Dorton and Eugene Stepp.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Mrs. Lawson’s family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.