~~Jetha Pinkston Lawson was born on October 10, 1943 to the union of Willie Louis Pinkston (deceased) and Alberta Campbell Pinkston in Jackson, Mississippi and was the third born of five daughters.  She was united in holy matrimony with Dr.Cassell A. Lawson on June 19, 1992 in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

After graduating from Jim Hill High School in Jackson, Mississippi, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature from Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, Mississippi; a Master of Science Degree in Reading from Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi; and an Administration Specialist Degree from University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Prior to moving to Racine, Jetha taught Reading/English at Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi.  She held various positions within the Racine Unified School District:  Reading Specialist, Sub-School Principal at J. I. Case High School, Assistant Principal at Gilmore Junior High School, Directing Principal at Starbuck Middle School, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services, Assistant Superintendent for Human Services and Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning.  Students and colleagues could always expect to be treated with her characteristic warmth, compassion and complete attention.  Providing the best education for children was a top priority for her.  Jetha retired in 2006.

Jetha was a member of professional organizations such as, Phi Delta Kappa, Delta Kappa Gamma, National Association of Black School Educators, American Association of School Administrators, and Wisconsin Association of School Personnel Administrators.  Jetha continued her love for helping others through volunteering her time with Governor's Commission on Families and Children, Board of Directors for Women's Resource Center, Board of Directors for the YWCA, Board of Directors & Budget Committee for Racine Area United Way, Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of America, Board of Directors for OIC, Board of Directors for National Middle School Association, Board of Directors for 21st Century Preparatory School, Homeless Improvement Committee, Association of Funding Organization's Coordination Council, Racine Area Manufacturers Association Council Community Involvement Committee, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Wingspread's Youth Focus Groups, and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside's Pre-College Advisory Council, Teacher Preparation Steering Committee and Improving Teacher Quality Program Committee.

Jetha was recently honored by Phi Delta Kappa with the "Distinguished Leadership in Education Award".  During her career she pledged to "start students from the point of their last support and bring them as far as their capabilities can take them."  Jetha never stopped believing what she states as her philosophy of education: "All children can learn, given the time, the opportunity, and a caring adult."  And Jetha has proven to be that caring adult throughout her career and during retirement.

Jetha departed this life on Monday, April 6, 2015 at the age of 71.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents Lee Henry and Jeather Campbell and Major and Roberta Pinkston; her father, Willie Louis Pinkston; and sisters, Delores Pinkston Pritchett and Rev. Dr. Billye Pinkston Bridges. Jetha leaves to cherish her memory her husband Cassell A. Lawson (Racine, WI), her mother Alberta Campbell Pinkston (Madison, Mississippi); her sisters, Lola Pinkston Richardson (Jackson, Mississippi), Kathryn Pinkston Worthy (Madison, Mississippi); Brother-in-Law Floyd Bridges; her nephews, Victor (Patricia) Richardson (Atlanta, Georgia), Richard Richardson, Jr. (Jackson, Mississippi), Kelvin (Carmen) Richardson (Memphis, Tennessee), Alando (La Shron) Cooley (Jackson, Mississippi), Christopher (Tamika) Cooley (Detroit, Michigan), R. Edward Worthy, II (Madison, Mississippi) and a host of other relatives, friends and neighbors.

A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 4:00 pm at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1123 Center St., Racine, WI.  Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until the time of the service.