Heaven received an angel when JoAnn Lawson, 55, of Rocky Ridge, Maryland, passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at Frederick Memorial Hospital after a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer.

JoAnn was born in Frederick, Maryland on March 3, 1962 at Frederick Memorial Hospital and was the loving daughter of Thomas and Bonnie Lawson.

JoAnn was a strong woman who loved her horse, Spring, and loved spending time outdoors. She was a jouster with the MJTA for many years and won many trophies. She was employed by R-N-R Auto Body in Hagerstown, MD. 

Surviving in addition to her loving parents, are her brother Rick Lawson and wife Pamela of Middletown, MD; two special uncles Chris and Earl Lawson and many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles; her special friends Victoria and Rob Merced of Grafton, Wisconsin and Renee Grossnickle of Burkittsville, MD, among many other friends.

She was predeceased by maternal grandparents Irene and Earl Harper of Brunswick, Maryland and paternal grandparents Harry and Pauline Lawson of Frederick, MD.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 7 from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. A celebration of her life will be held immediately following visitation at 4:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, family prefers contributions may be made to Maryland Jousting Tournament Association (MJTA), c/o Ron Vogle, 5751 Mountville Road, Adamstown, MD 21710 or to Pleasant View Church of the Brethren, 4805 Old Middletown Road, Jefferson, MD 21755.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.