Edith “Tootsie” Lawson Gregory, 83, of Hot Springs, N.C. went to her heavenly home on March 12th 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Hot Springs First Baptist Church Community Outreach Fund. 100% of proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the fund.

Tootsie was a lifelong member of Hot Springs First Baptist Church. Hot Springs was ravaged by Hurricane Helene last October, and the town's recovery journey is still long. Your generosity in Tootsie's honor will provide direct assistance to those in need within the local community. This GoFundMe will collect donations through April 30th, 2025.

Tootsie, affectionately known as “Nanny” to many, loved baking "Nanny Bread," making fried chicken for her family, and preparing various baked treats. Her grandchildren often said she was the best "cook" in all of North Carolina. In addition to her culinary talents, she enjoyed writing words of encouragement about the love of Jesus on flyers and letters. She even submitted some of her writings to be published in the local newspaper. Together with her husband, Clyde, they supported the town of Hot Springs by running a small business, the Apple Basket, raising money through her bake sales for the local food pantry, and even playing the roles of Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the town’s Christmas parade and organized the town’s Easter parades.

Tootsie is preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Franklin Gregory and her siblings Gaynell Lawson, Waco Culbertson, Frank Lawson, Drew Lawson and Harold Paris. She is survived by her brother Johnny Lawson, children, Jeffrey Gregory, Lisa (Gregory) Ehmann and Brady Ehmann, and Scott and Tammy Gregory; her six grandchildren, Amanda (Gregory) Ladner and Alex Ladner, Tiffany (Gregory) Ferrarini and Vinnie Ferrarini, Jeremy Gregory, Michael Ehmann and Katie Martin-Ehmann, Gavin and Hannah Gregory, and Aaron Gregory; her great-grandchildren, Kayleigh and Josiah Young, Emma Harmon, Vincent Ferrarini, Ethan Ladner and Eli Ladner, and her great-great-grandchild, Kehlani Young, and many precious nieces, nephews, and cousins.