Glenda Sue "Suzi" McGinnis Lawler

Glenda Sue “Suzi” McGinnis Lawler was born on February 9th, 1936, in Farris, Oklahoma to A.E. “Jack” McGinnis and Bertha L. (Mitchell) McGinnis. Soon after her birth, her family moved to Texas, where she spent her youth. After residing in Rusk and Austin, her family settled in Abilene, Texas where Suzi attended school. She married her high school sweetheart Frank LaVaughn Golleher on December 29, 1951, and they had one child, Jim. After graduating from Wylie High School (Class of 1954), Suzi worked for several years as a secretary for the State Hospital in Abilene. Frank and Suzi went their separate ways and in 1960, she met and married David Lawler, and they had one child, Doug and moved to Mesquite, Texas, where she worked for the Mesquite Public Library. Later, she and David moved to Forney, Texas where she lived until 2021. She enjoyed telling stories and socializing with friends and family.

Suzi became very involved in her community upon moving to Forney. She was an active member in serving the community through various church activities. Later in life, she also served as the Kaufman County Election Judge for several years and was a member of the Republican Women’s Group of Kaufman County. She was also a member of the Forney Garden Club and helped to create the beautiful gardens in downtown Forney next to the sub-courthouse. When she had time to herself, she enjoyed traveling, painting, and crochet. She also loved trying new recipes, gardening, and antiquing. Suzi was a very creative person and often enjoyed making things for friends and family members. She belonged to the Water of Life ladies crochet group, where she helped make blankets for those who were in need. Many of her happiest hours were spent in the fellowship of the church and her ladies’ groups.

Suzi spent her life following the words and teaching of Jesus Christ. She embodied her faith in the Lord and viewed the spreading of His message and love as the most important task in her life. Whenever she had an opportunity, she would share the testimony of the Lord with anyone she met in hopes of leading them into the arms of Christ. She was a member of many churches throughout her life as she searched for more ways to spread God’s love, and through this endeavor she made many lasting friendships. Whether someone needed to hear God’s word, needed a prayer, or just needed a hug, she was there for them.

Suzi is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack McGinnis; her husband, David Lawler; and her son, Doug Lawler.

She is survived by her son and his wife, Jimmy and Donna Lawler of Wills Point, TX; her grandchildren and their spouses, Matthew and LaDonna Lawler of Wills Point, TX, and Rachel and Scott Calvery of Wills Point, TX; and her great-grandchildren, Rylie Lawler, Kambrie Lawler, Guyton Calvery, and Bellami Calvery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Water of Life Lutheran Church Lucy’s Prayer Shawl in Forney, TX or the Boys Ranch in west Texas.