Dorothy Dawson

Dorothy T. Dawson, 79, passed away on September 8, 2026, with her loving sisters by her side.

Born on June 26, 1947, Dorothy was the daughter of the late DuVal and Annie Toler. She grew up alongside five siblings—three sisters and two brothers—and graduated from New Bern High School before continuing her education in nursing in Ahoskie.

Caring for others became an important part of Dorothy’s life. She made her home in Gates County for many years and devoted much of her career to nursing, including working in the Emergency Room in Ahoskie as well as at the hospital in New Bern. Dorothy took her responsibility to her patients seriously. She wanted to make certain the people entrusted to her care received what they needed, and she was never afraid to speak up on their behalf.

Dorothy shared her life with her late husband, Jake Dawson, and together they raised four children. She was straightforward, independent, and never one to pretend to be something she wasn't. Dorothy had strong opinions and wasn't afraid to share them, but beneath that no-nonsense exterior was a woman who had spent a lifetime caring for others and who loved in her own way and on her own terms.

She also knew how to enjoy the simple things in life. Dorothy loved country music and dancing, and in recent years she especially enjoyed getting out with her sister to hear live music. They could often be found enjoying country and bluegrass gatherings at the Rhems Fire Department, gospel sings at the Vanceboro VFW, or heading down to Pamlico County for an evening at the County Opry. Those outings provided good music, familiar faces, and plenty of memories along the way.

In her younger years, Dorothy enjoyed working in her garden and watching things grow. When relaxing at home, she could often be found watching wrestling or an old western on television. Whether tending a garden, listening to country music, dancing, caring for a patient, or simply spending time with those closest to her, Dorothy lived life on her own terms.

She is survived by her children, Jake Dawson, Jr. (Cathy), Annie Olson (Kelly), and Chris Dawson (Nancy); grandchildren, Joshua Jernigan (Brandi), Allie Williams (Jeff), Kallie Yates (Matt), Austin Rountree, Hannah Stewart (Nick), Kayla Suozzo (Brendan), Jacob Olson (Kenzie), and Jacob Dawson; her sisters, Linda T. Smith, Elaine Richardson (Robert), and Peggy Vernelson; and great grandchildren, along with other extended family members and friends who will remember her.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Jake Dawson; her daughter, Missy Winslow; and her brothers, Linwood Toler and David Toler.

A funeral service honoring Dorothy’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Lakeside Chapel at Greenleaf Memorial Park, with Pastor Rex Bennett officiating.

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of Dorothy T. Dawson.