Elise Cleary Rawson

Elise Cleary Rawson, 88, of Atlanta passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2016. She was a strong women of faith who always trusted in the Lord for all her needs. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly and delighted in sharing in their lives. Born in Savannah, Georgia, the daughter of the late William John and Elise Cummings Cleary. She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles A Rawson Jr., a daughter, Mary Rawson and brother-in-laws John O'Neill and Curran Easley. She is survived by her children Elise R Mercer (Mitchell) of Spartanburg, SC, Charles A Rawson III (Susan) of Atlanta, Georgia and Lucia R Strickland (Jay) of Macon, Georgia; and her grandchildren, Sam, Elise and Charles Mercer; Rachel Rawson; Anne, Thomas and Katherine Strickland; Sisters-in-law, Hollis Rawson Easley, and Lucia Rawson O'Neill; and Brother-in-law, William Clarke Rawson (Catherine); and numerous nieces and nephews. Elise was a graduate of the PAPE School, Savannah, Georgia and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She was a member of The Cathedral of Christ the King, St Gerard's Circle, Cherokee Garden Club, Phi Mu Fraternity and The Piedmont Driving Club. Elise retired from Phi Mu Fraternity after 26 years having served in numerous positions, lastly as Assistant Executive Director. Special thanks to Dr. James Upshaw and his staff as well as everyone at The Oaks Assisted Living for all their loving care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Cathedral of Christ the King, 2699 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305; the Cherokee Garden Library, Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30305; or Phi Mu Foundation, 400 Westpark Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:45AM at The Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 with burial immediately following Arlington Memorial Park, Monsignor Frank McNamee officiating. The family may be contacted at the residence and will greet friends prior to the service at the church beginning at 10:00AM. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola has charge of arrangements.