COLUMBUS — Martha Lawson, 68, died April 25, 2026, in Illinois. 

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, at Glenn Chapel, with the Rev. James Samuel officiating. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Friday, at Lee-Sykes Funeral Home. Lee-Sykes Funeral Home of Columbus is in charge of arrangements. 

Mrs. Lawson was born Oct. 14, 1957, to that late Attrice and Emma Brooks. She was formerly employed as senior director of the Department of Rehabilitation Services for the state of Illinois. 

In addition to her parents, was preceded in death by her parents, Waddell and Rosa Troupe Ash; sisters, Moverva Brooks Stewart and Gloria Brooks Jones; and brother, Attrice “Jap” Brooks. 

She is survived by her children, Anwar Lawson, Ayesha Lawson, Rasheeda Lawson Hall and Arvis Lawson II; and eight grandchildren.