Jerry W. Lawson, CLU, ChFC, MSFS

A Gentleman of Character and Integrity

Jerry W. Lawson was born in High Point, North Carolina, the son of Glen Harvey Lawson and Pauline Bray Lawson. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Science in Financial Services Degree from the  American College of  Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

Jerry began his career in the financial services industry with Provident Mutual in 1967. For the first 10 years of his career, he built a substantial life insurance practice, specializing in the areas of estate planning, retirement planning and employee benefits. He was the third of four general partners in 97 years representing Provident Mutual in the North & South Carolina Agency. After retiring the agency name of Paul Schenck & Associates, he continued the successful operation of Baron Financial until his retirement from management in 1999, when he joined Lawson & Watson, LLC. In 2002 this firm became Navigon Financial Group, Inc and Jerry continued his career as a very active member of the Navigon Financial family by advising and encouraging those around him as well as “looking after his clients and their families” with the highest possible degree of integrity. In May of 2007 Jerry affiliated with Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company and Hornor Townsend & Kent, Inc. (HTK).

In addition to his many professional achievements, Jerry was active in several community organizations, including the Greensboro Human Relations Commission, President of the Greensboro Housing Authority, Board of Visitors of the School of Economics of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, past Board of Visitors of Guilford College, and member of the Advisory Board at Branch Banking and Trust.

At  First  Presbyterian  Church,  he  was  an  Elder, President of the Young Men’s Bible Class and chair of the Paisley Endowment Committee. He made a very positive impact in the community for many years through his work with Junior Achievement, Greensboro Rotary, Urban Ministry and Greensboro’s Human Relation commission as well as the Greensboro Prison Ministry Board.

He was a proud, lifetime member of the UNC - CH Alumni Association, the Chancellor’s Club and the Rams Club. He served on UNC’s School of Economics Board of Visitors and Parents’ Council and the Guilford College Board of Visitors.

Several qualities distinguished this man of honor, integrity and extraordinary courage. He was a person of honest faith and a voice of thoughtful reason. He was a loving family man, husband to Jan, father to Taylor and Alexander, and a dear friend to many. He had a strong, quiet way of making a difference in the lives of those around him--often “under the radar.”  He  had  compassion  for  others  who  needed  a second chance. He helped and mentored people in their careers and was ahead of the curve by mentoring and encouraging women in their professional careers.

He was a man of extraordinary discipline, and even as he struggled physically, he used his discipline to do what he could to improve his failing body. He had a way of finding the silver  lining  among  ominous  clouds. He knew that we cannot control our circumstances, but we can control our attitude in all circumstances.

Jerry had a deep appreciation for the importance of family; he loved his wife and sons and they loved him: “The key to success in life are good parents, a good wife and a good secretary.” He had a good wife and he knew it.

The Apostle Paul writes, “I have learned to be content with whatever I have. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret… of having plenty and being in need.”

Jerry understood these words and he lived them. His presence will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.