Mary Dawson

Beverly & Martin Hardy sent Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for Mary Dawson - September 16, 2026

Our deepest sympathy! Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers!

Love, Beverly & Martin

Send flowers for Mary Dawson

Ms. Barbara L. Rolle sent Living Spirit Dishgarden for Mary Dawson - September 15, 2026

Ms. Barbara L. Rolle of Orlando FL

Ms. Willie Mae Rolle sent Sweet Moments for Mary Dawson - September 15, 2026

With my deepest sympathy, Your Mom was and will always be a true and dear friend. Willie Mae Rolle. Orlando, FL

WHAT WE HAD

A child who was raised with 21+ other siblings,

An African American woman who 60+ years ago lived and worked on an Indian reservation,

A college educated person who lived in remote deserts,

A woman who was recognized as an outstanding educator, earning recognition in Americans Who's Who,

A mother/wife who sometimes raised her kids as a single parent when dad was stationed in Japan, Greenland, and other remote locations,

A person who gave from her heart.

And through all of that and more, what she cherished most was her church, family, and friends. As Bernice said, "she loved you".

May the advice, the memories, the 'FOOD', and the love she shared be remembered, cherished, and shared.

May the family and friends she loved continue to celebrate the legacy of her "JOY".

From a Member of the Family

So sorry for your loss

I am so grateful to have known Mary through our shared love of our church, Good Shepherd. She always had a smile and a kind word, and I am thankful for her devotion and dedication to the choir and our church. She will be missed by all of us. Our sincere condolences to her family.

My sincere condolences

The Schmoke family would like to extend our condolences to Arlene and Bernice and other family members. We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Al and I send our sympathy to Bernice and all Mary's family. We feel so fortunate that our path in life crossed Mary's when we moved to Rocky Mount. We met singing in the Good Shepherd choir and as our friendship grew, we started having lunch together and shared many stories of our very different life experiences. She taught us a lot. We loved and admired her and were saddened when we moved away and could no longer see her on a regular basis. We send our condolences. With Love Al and Barbara LaRose

Condolences to Arlene and family in the loss of Mrs. Dawson. May God continue to bless and keep you!🙏🏾

My deepest sympathy to the Dawson family family. I remember the times we shared with you and your dad in Springfield, MA.

When Mary moved back to Rocky Mount about 20 years ago, the Rector at Good Shepherd asked my wife Jan to interview her for the church bulletin. And Mary told this amusing story about how when she and her husband, who was of course in the Army, were stationed, I think it was in Washington State, Mary got a job teaching on an Indian reservation. And she recounted how the first day of class, the children just sat there and stared at her. They had never seen a Black person before! So the next day, Mary said to the class, "Okay, yesterday you stared at me all day; but today we are going to get down to work!" It's a wonderful story that I have repeated many times. She was a lovely lady who could still sing at 90 and would sing with us in the choir, where her good voice and musicianship was needed. It was a pleasure to have had the opportunity to get to know her.

To the family of Cousin Mary(Deak), Please accept my condolences for your loss. Because I moved to Virginia, we did not get to raise our children together. But, I will never forget how Mary(Deak), and her late sister Ruby were there for the death of my father, their uncle, taking over to serve the food.That kindness was never forgotten. I can only imagine the many fond memories you must have. We will continue to pray for your strength during this difficult time. Sending you strength and love, Cousin Margaret Best and family. Newport News, Virginia

Praying that the joy of the Lord will continue to be your strength in this time of sorrow. Praying comfort ans care for you ans family.

Grandma Mary was truly a beautiful soul, and I feel so grateful to have had the privilege of knowing her and being welcomed into her family.

I still remember my first visit to Rocky Mount. Coming from a different culture, I was a little nervous about meeting everyone and finding my place, but Grandma Mary made that nervousness disappear. She was so kind, warm, and welcoming, and she treated me just like her own grandchild. She simply made room for me in her heart.

Whenever we were all together, her smile and joy had a way of lighting up the entire room. She was never afraid to share exactly what was on her mind, and her effortless sense of humor meant there was rarely an awkward silence when she was around. She could make you laugh simply by being herself.

She's left big shoes for all women in future generations... as everyone knows... she could absolutely throw down in the kitchen!

I will always be grateful for the kindness she showed me from the very beginning and for the warmth she brought into every gathering.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

Ms. Mary... I will truly miss you. It was such a pleasure living beside you. I will miss seeing your smile when I put up your decorations for all the holidays. I know to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. You're in no more pain and I know for a fact that heaven has gained an angle.😇 Take your rest, we loved you but God Loves You Best!

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.