Elizabeth Kuokor Lawson was born in Lagos, Nigeria to Ghanaian parents who settled in Nigeria. Her father, Charles A. Kotey, was an architect also gifted in Fine Art, drawing portraits of friends during leisure hours. Her mother, Elizabeth A. Kotey, was a teacher. Elizabeth attended Saint Mary’s Primary School, later moving to Holy Child College for her Secondary Education. She attended The International School of Ibadan for her Advanced Level (A Level) Certificate.

Lawson showed a creative spark early in life. Elementary Schools in the 1950s, however, did not include visual arts as part of their curriculum. Undeterred, her creative energy found its medium in elementary embroidery and sewing activities in  Home Economics, part of the elementary curriculum. As such, her first creative project was a hand-sewn, embroided apron - the rest, as they say, is history. Known for her creative ability, Lawson was selected to write a poem for Her Majesty, during the Queen of England's visit to Lagos for Nigeria's Declaration of Independence in 1960.

Travelling to England to pursue Art Education further confirmed her artistic ability. Though intending to major solely in Fabric Design, her instructors lobbied for the addition of Painting and Clay Sculpture upon noticing Lawson's idiosyncratic approach to the disciplines. Her artistic style began to form, using "bold and daring colors in her fabrics" to highlight African culture.

After teaching in England for two years, Elizabeth moved to Tallahassee, Florida, obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education and Master of Science degree in Educational Administration (Supervision) at Florida State University. She returned to England to teach for eight years before beginning her 25-year tenure at The American International School, Lagos, Nigeria.

Lawson presently teaches over 460 students from over forty different countries, some of her former students  have gone on to pursue visual art and art related careers because of her influence. She teaches the element and principles of design in various art disciplines: painting, drawing and coloring, ceramics, collage, embroidery and calligraphy.

Lawson is passionate about art. In fact, she has organized exhibitions of her students’ works for the edification and enjoyment of students and teachers from all over Lagos. Additionally, she has conducted art workshops for specialist and classroom teachers in West Africa, East Africa and South Africa.
Her foundation offers scholarships to talented, underprivileged art students toward creating the next generation of creative leaders. Her son, Jinmi Lawson, has leveraged his creative genes toward photography and writing, recently penning his debut novel, Good Luck, God Bless (www.jinmilawson.com).

She is married with children and grandchildren.