Obituary

" And can it be that in a world so full and busy, the loss of one creature makes a void so wide and deep that nothing but the width and depth of eternity can fill it up! -Charles Dickens

Gloria Carlean Dawson, affectionately known as Carlean, Mama, Grandmama, and MawMaw by her family, was born the youngest of 15 children to the late Houston and Phenie Peterson in Crenshaw County, Alabama, on July 25, 1929. She passed from this life into eternal life on April 19, 2021.

At an early age, she was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as her savior. Growing up as an ambitious and conscientious young lady, she always possessed the thirst to obtain a college degree. She enrolled and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Alabama State University and a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education from Alabama A&M University.

She began her teaching career with the Coffee County School System, serving as an elementary school teacher. In 1969, she and her husband moved to Huntsville, Alabama, and she was employed by the Huntsville City Schools district as an elementary education teacher. Mrs. Dawson enjoyed seeing children progress and learning new concepts. Her ultimate goal was to make a difference in the lives of children. She devoted her life to helping others, especially in the realm of education. After serving 38 years in the teaching profession, Mrs. Dawson retired in 1988.

Her affiliations, memberships and involvements with professional, civic, and community organizations included Delta Omega Zeta Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Huntsville Chapter, Continental Societies Inc., Lamron Club, Alabama Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Madison County Alabama Democratic Conference, Huntsville-Madison County Branch and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She had a strong faith in God and proclaimed His goodness in everything that she did. Mrs. Dawson was a member of St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Huntsville, Alabama, for many years. Later, she transitioned her membership and joined Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.

Mrs. Dawson was honored for her many contributions and service in the educational profession and to the community. She received the 2020 Honoring our Elders Award from the Rosetta James Foundation, Inc.; Zeta of the Year, Delta Omega Zeta Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; and scores of teacher appreciation and community service award

She is preceded in death by her parents, Houston and Phenie Peterson; husband, Dr. James I. Dawson; daughter, Delarise "Dee" Hamilton; and her beloved brothers and sisters.

She leaves to cherish her memories one loving and caring granddaughter, Angela Dionne Wilkins (Mark) Huntsville, AL; three adoring great-grandchildren, Mariah Wilkins Johnson (Jeremiah), Bristol, CT; Miles James Wilkins, and Melanie Jade Wilkins, Huntsville, AL; one charming great-great-grandson, Malachi Noah Johnson, Bristol, CT; one supporting son-in-law, Larry Hamilton (Dione), Huntsville, AL; a dedicated surrogate daughter, Mrs. Georgia S. Valrie, Huntsville, AL; special friends: Mrs. Nell Carodine, Dr. Mary Ruth Yates, Dr. Dorothy Huston, Ms. Brenda T. Brown and Ms. Emma Leeth; and a host of doting nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything. - C.S. Lewis

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Funeral service and Entombment for Mrs. Gloria Dawson will be Friday, April 23, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Valhalla Memory Gardens Chapel of Love with The Reverend Dr. Paul Hillard, Jr. officiating.

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