Donald Joseph Dawson

Donald Joseph Dawson was born in Wilmington, Delaware on June 13, 1935. He was the son of the late Reuben H. and Ruby M. Dawson. Donald was the youngest of six children--three brothers and two sisters, all of whom preceded him in death.

Donald attended school in the Wilmington, Delaware public school system. After high school, Donald enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Japan. After his honorable discharge. Donald decided to further his education and enrolled in Delaware State College, his beloved alma mater, in Dover, Delaware. While there he proudly pledged and was initiated into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Beta Sigma Chapter, in 1959. In 1962, he was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Delaware State.

In 1961, Donald married his sweetheart Fannie Walker. From this union, their two daughters, Sharon and Denise (Dee Dee) were born. In 1963, Donald and Fannie relocated to New York City to continue their professional careers. For many years, Donald worked as a social worker for the City of Yonkers, and a claims adjuster with Travelers Insurance. However, in 1974 he changed jobs and began a career in risk management with Joseph E. Seagram and Sons, in New York City. He retired from the company in 1998.

In 2004, Donald and Fannie relocated to Spotsylvania, Virginia to enjoy their retirement in warmer weather and to be closer to their grandchildren. In 2005, Donald accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He was baptized and became an active member of Mount Hope Baptist Church. "Mr. D." as he was affectionately called, was a proud member of the Golden Flyers ministry of his church. At Mount Hope, he worked part time in the church office. In his free time, "Mr. D." enjoyed teaching the children of Mount Hope to play chess.

Donald's joys in life were spending time and traveling with his family and friends, the Annual Fourth of July family and friends cookouts in Central Islip, New York, and listening to records and CDs from his extensive jazz collection.

He was an extremely devoted husband, father and grandfather. On Friday, December 17, 2010, Donald was called home to be with his Heavenly Father after a lengthy illness.

Left to cherish precious memories are his wife, Fannie Dawson of Spotsylvania, Virginia; two daughters, Sharon Dawson-Coates of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Denise Dawson of Fredericksburg, Virginia; one son-in-law, Darryl Coates of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; two sisters-in-law, Gwendolyn McCants of Wilmington, Delaware and Reatha Thomas of Columbia, Maryland; one aunt, Beatrice Fitzgerald of Wilmington, Delaware; two granddaughters, Matia Ridley and Kyra Youngblood of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Donald lived his life by religious principles,. He will be lovingly and deeply missed.



Funeral Home:
Cedell Brooks Funeral Home
25662 A.P. Hill Blvd
Port Royal, VA
US 22535