Selma J. John

A Memorial for Selma J. John, 57, Lawrence will be held 10:00 a.m., April 6, 2017, Indian Avenue Baptist Church. She passed away March 30, 2017 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital with her family and friends by her side.

Selma was born July 3, 1959 in Philadelphia, Mississippi, the daughter of Oliver and Loretta (Denson) John.

Selma worked at Haskell Indian Nations University as a college residential assistant but her title does not justify the true work she offered. She was a friend and maternal figure to the students she watched over. Selma created a family among the Haskell community that includes both students and coworkers. People were drawn to her and she welcomed everyone with open arms. Her wit and warm sense of humor will be long remembered along with her generosity and selflessness.

She is survived by her sister, Gloria Graves of Lawrence; a brother, Jimmie Lee John of Mississippi and nieces, nephews, extended relatives and the many friends of Lawrence and Philadelphia, MS. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Lucille Ann Thomas.

Memorials may be made in her name to the Selma John Scholarship Fund and may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary.