Brenda Mozelle Barnett Lawson

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 It is with deep respect and great sadness that we announce the passing of Brenda Mozelle Barnett Lawson on July 13, 2025. Brenda is survived by the love and greatest blessing of her life, Alfred Henry Lawson, Jr., sisters Christine Williams, Kathy Barnette-Novak, and brother Kenneth (Betty), brother-in-law Doug Lawson (Mary), several nieces and nephews, dearly loved cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Samuel Walton Barnett, and mother, Hula Ocie Nelson Barnett. A visionary leader and educator, Brenda was born on November 5, 1948, in Jewell Ridge, Virginia. She graduated from Richlands High School in 1967 and went on to pursue a BS degree in Special Education from Radford College. She earned a Master’s degree in Supervision/Administration in Education from Radford and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech. Brenda’s love and passion for teaching started when she was a VBS teacher during her teenage years. She truly believed that teaching was a calling and proceeded to answer this call in the Tazewell County Public School system. In order to make her a more effective teacher and leader, Brenda desired to experience education from each aspect of the school organization. She served as an instructional aide, school secretary, bus driver, Junior High school teacher, and elementary school teacher. Throughout her 41 year career in education, she served as Supervisor of Special Education, Director of Exceptional Children, elementary principal (Dudley Primary and Abb’s Valley Elementary), Principal of Richlands High School, Assistant Superintendent, and retired as the Division Superintendent of Tazewell County Public Schools. Brenda would always say how blessed she was to work with such wonderful students, parents, and employees. She was committed to making school a happy place for all students. After her retirement from the school system, she taught Education classes as an Adjunct Instructor for Southwest Virginia Community College. Brenda possessed a humble servant’s heart. Growing up in the Jewell Ridge Presbyterian Church, she never wavered from her faith and any opportunity to witness to others about God’s amazing grace and mercy. She was a member of the Richlands Presbyterian Church and served as a VBS teacher, choir member, adult Sunday school teacher, Moderator of the Women of the Church, and Trustee and member of the Session. Brenda’s service extended beyond her local church serving as a member of Abingdon Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry, Moderator of Abingdon Presbytery, several administrative commissions, and Moderator of Abingdon Presbyterian Women. Brenda served as Vice-Moderator and Moderator of the Presbyterian Children’s Home of the Highlands for numerous years. Brenda was an engaged member of her community. She was a strong supporter of CART as well as various youth programs in the community. She served as a member on the Clinch Valley Medical Center Board of Trustees. Brenda was a Paul Harris Fellow recipient, an honor she was most proud of. She was a member of the Eastern Star Richlands Chapter 104. Special Thanks to Legacy Palliative and Hospice Care of Richlands. Each member of their team brought not only professionalism, but genuine kindness and grace to our family. We extend our deepest gratitude to the compassionate physicians who supported us through this journey, in particular, Dr. Fady Tawadros and Dr. Shailaja Raj. A memorial service and celebration of life will be conducted on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Richlands Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Tim Bird and Pastor Buddy Herald officiating. A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor the memory of Brenda are encouraged to make a donation to the Jewell Ridge Presbyterian Church, the Richlands Presbyterian Church, the Good Samaritan Food Pantry, or the Presbyterian Children’s Home of the Highlands. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements, and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

Brenda Mozelle Barnett Lawson

November 5, 1948 - July 13, 2025