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Funeral details released for founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Rev. William ‘Bill’ Lawson

The Rev. William "Bill" Lawson, pastor emeritus of Wheeler Baptist Church, speaks during the funeral for George Floyd on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at The Fountain of Praise church in Houston. (Godofredo A. Vásquez/Houston Chronicle via AP, Pool) (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

HOUSTON – The funeral details for Houston icon, Rev. William ‘Bill’ Alexander Lawson, has been released Wednesday morning during a news conference held by the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

His death was announced on Tuesday.

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Lawson was known for his role in the civil rights movement, along with being the founder of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston’s Third Ward.

Rev. Lawson came to Houston as a 27-year-old in the mid-50s to serve as the director of the Baptist Student Union at Texas Southern University.

From that assignment grew the man who would become a legendary preacher and civil rights leader who said he was in the right place at the right time.

Lawson was among those organizing Houston’s civil rights movement during the 60s when desegregation was a key goal, and again in the 70s when an initiative was on the ballot to end affirmative action in the city.

RELATED: Houston civil rights icon, founder of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Rev. William ‘Bill’ Lawson, dies at 95

Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby led the press conference at the church to address all members and provided details on the passing of Lawson and his celebration of life.

Funeral details released

A celebration of life schedule was released Wednesday and will be held at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, located at 3826 Wheeler Avenue:

  • Thursday, May 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Rev. Lawson’s body will lie in state
  • Thursday, May 23 at 6 p.m. - The community service of celebration
  • Friday, May 24 at 11 a.m. - Congregational service of celebration

SEE ALSO: Life, legacy of Rev. Bill Lawson, late wife Audrey Lawson becomes play at Ensemble Theatre


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