Henry ‘Shookie’ Lawson Jr.
Obituaries
May 19, 2024

Henry ‘Shookie’ Lawson Jr.

CHARLEROI

Henry “Shookie” Lawson Jr., beloved son, husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2024, at the age of 66 at Jefferson Hospital. He was born to the late Henry C. Lawson Sr. and Regina Cottingham on June 9, 1957, in Charleroi Hospital. He grew up in a loving and supportive family alongside his sister, the late Gina Lawson, and his brother, the late David Lawson. In 1995, Henry married the love of his life, Antonia Lawson. Together they raised a beautiful family and shared many wonderful memories until Antonia’s passing in 2007. Henry was a devoted family man, a loyal friend, and a hardworking individual. He had a passion for bass guitar, youth football, the Pittsburgh Steelers and loving the grandkids. Henry was known for his infectious smile, his laugh and his contagious personality. Henry is survived by his children, Shaun Lawson, Tonia Lawson, Zachary Lawson and stepson Eddy (LarRie) Bell; four brothers, Thomas and David Craigway, Kenny Pone and James Lawson-Pone; 12 grandchildren, Zachari, Na’Khia, Zachary, Breeze, Zaylee, Cyria, Aleishia, Aaron, Edzarae, Chance, Savien and grandson Nicholas Bell, who preceded him in death. He is also survived by one special aunt, Nicole Cottingham- Burgess; one special nephew, Grant (Niema) Atkins, one special uncle, George Robinson; a goddaughter, Cari Wright; and a host of cousins and friends. Rest in peace, Henry, you will be loved and remembered.

Arrangements have been entrusted to DALFONSO- BILLICK FUNERAL HOME INC. AND CREMATION SERVICES, 441 Reed Ave., Monessen. A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 230 Reed Ave., Monessen. There will be a repast at 1 p.m. at the Italian Hall, 112 Seventh St., Monessen. Condolences are being accepted for the family at www.dalfonso-billick. com.

Sweet story time at His Place
Latest News, Main
March 13, 2026
Reading a St. Patrick’s Day-themed children’s book, Autumn Hornfeck of Monongahela holds her 1-year-old daughter, Maria, during story time at His Place Coffee, Community and More in Monessen on Thursd...
Monessen to search for a new animal control officer
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
March 13, 2026
Police Chief Dave Yuhasz said the city needs an animal control officer that is dependable and available 24/7. Monessen city council had some discussions Thursday about the difficulties they have faced...
West Mifflin parents raise questions over admission to baseball and softball games
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
March 13, 2026
The school board also heard from students and parents upset that the district won’t permit a banner for a student who died in 2024 by suicide. Contention rose during the West Mifflin Area School Board...
Primary races shaping up as candidates file nomination petitions
Elections, Latest News, Main
March 13, 2026
Signatures on nomination petitions can be challenged until next Tuesday. By the MVI The field of candidates for this year’s primary elections is taking shape. Candidate filing deadlines passed Tuesday...
Vendor show to support Harvest Bounty program
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
March 13, 2026
Saturday’s annual craft and vendor show helps to keep the shelves stocked for the program that benefits children in the Charleroi Area School District. Each weekend, hundreds of Charleroi Area School ...
Double shooting under investigation
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
March 13, 2026
By the MVI Allegheny County police were called to investigate a double shooting in McKeesport on Thursday evening. Allegheny County Police Department’s Homicide Unit responded to a request for assista...