Cleo Mullins Lawson

Cleo Mullins Lawson, 95, of Flat Rock, IL, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Robinson Rehab & Nursing. She was born on April 10, 1930, in Grandville Township, Jasper County, IL, and grew up in Flat Rock. She graduated from Flat Rock High School and later built a life in nearby Stoy with her husband, John Mullins, raising their children and anchoring her family with quiet strength and sacrificial love.

From an early age, Cleo worked hard—never for praise or attention, but out of love. She did whatever needed to be done to provide for her family, eventually spending more than 30 years at Victor Dana before retiring and returning to Flat Rock. But even in retirement, she remained at the center of the family she cherished.

She found joy in the simple things—porch swings and hummingbirds, red roses and butterflies, card games with her siblings, and trips to her sister’s lakehouse. Her travels to Nashville to visit her dear friend Billie Jo Spears were treasured chapters, full of music and laughter. But her favorite place was always wherever her family was. Cleo had a gift for making them—and anyone, for that matter—feel at home—often with nothing more than a warm smile, a gentle spirit, and a plate full of fried chicken and homemade noodles. Her cooking was never just a meal—it was an expression of love, nourishing both body and soul.

She loved nature—watching the seasons shift from her porch, soaking in the quiet beauty of the world around her. And she loved her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren deeply. Nothing brought her more joy than time with them. And when she lost her sister Dixie, Cleo started noticing butterflies with a new kind of reverence. “There’s Dixie,” she’d say with a soft smile, as if love could still flutter close even after goodbye.

A woman of deep but quiet faith, Cleo was a member of the Flat Rock Free Methodist Church. Her home reflected the softness of her spirit—lined with angel figurines, each one a gentle reminder of the unseen grace that carried her through life.

And now, that grace has carried her into eternity.

No more pain. No more weariness.

Just peace. Just beauty.

Just Cleo—seated in perfect light, serenaded by angels.

Finally, at home.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, John Charles Mullins and Max Gene Lawson; by her parents, Charles Dale & Elsie Pauline (Lewis) Hepner; and by two grandchildren, Josh Mullins and Amy Tague. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Don Hepner, Harry Hepner, Art Hepner, Bob Hepner, and Jerry Hepner, as well as her sisters, Dixie Best and Dorothy Ann Sanger.

She is survived by her children, Barbara & Annice Miller, Charles & Julie Mullins, Roy & Gina Mullins, and Gary & Peggy Mullins; by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter; and by several nieces and nephews who will carry her love with them always.

A time of visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m., with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. During the service, family and friends will be given the opportunity to share their thoughts and memories from the life of this beautiful soul. Burial will be in the Jones Cemetery in rural Flat Rock.

Memorials may be made to the “American Cancer Society”, with memorial envelopes available at the funeral home.