Gloria Jean Dawson

The Lord Jesus gently called Gloria Jean Dawson home to his side on Sunday, April 10th as she was sleeping. She will join her father, mother and all the loved ones gone before.  Everyone that met or knew Gloria marveled at her courage, positive attitude, and confidence that drove her energy, passion for her family, her work, and love for life. We are thankful that our precious Gloria is now suffering no more.

Proceeded in death by her mother, Dorothy Dawson and Father, John Dawson, Aunts, Helen Sokol of Tallmadge and most recently her dear Aunt Helen Dietz, of Stow, OH, and many other beloved Uncles and Aunts, cousins and many friends, all of which were dear to her. We all find a little joy in our sorrow knowing that they can all reunite in heaven where we imagine that there are many happy tears, and joyful smiles.  Oh, to be able to see that reunion!   

Gloria is survived by a very close, loving, extended family. Her brothers, James Dawson, (Deborah Dawson), from Marietta, GA; nephew Evan Dawson, (Chelsea Dawson), Tempe AZ; Lake Dawson, (Janna Dawson), Great niece Nora Dawson, Atlanta GA; Alyse Morgan (Christopher Morgan), Marietta GA.  Brother Lawrence Dawson, (Kathy Dawson) Laguna Nigel CA, Nephew Jonathan Dawson, Culver City CA, Dorianne Daniels, (Jon Daniels) Newport CA. Aunt Betty Sokol, Akron, OH., Aunt, Marianne Correia, CO. Many cousins and friends throughout the country. 

Gloria was the first-born child of her parents, Dorothy “Dottie” and John in Akron OH, on April 15th, 1948 and resided in Cuyahoga Falls and Tallmadge her whole life.  A tiny little thing, with ringlets of golden curls, Gloria grew up to overcome many medical challenges. With a strong faith and love of Jesus Christ, Gloria approached life with vigor, happiness and love.  

Gloria started her career in healthcare at the young age of 18 while also getting an Associate’s degree in business at the Univ. of Akron. Starting her career in a physician’s office she went on to work for Akron General Hospital System. She retired as Residency Coordinator and Supervisor of the Internal Medicine Center. She became not only a lifeline to her residents, but was beloved by all who worked for her.  The doctors, residents and employees considered her more like a friend or sister and felt very comfortable in communicating with her.  She always had her door open and a listening ear.  Gloria was the most generous and loving person to all who knew her.  After retirement, she kept in touch with each person, having maintained the "circle" of friends and prayer partners who will miss her fun and loving spirit. She always put on a positive face and still kept that spunky attitude even making jokes about herself and her situation. 

Gloria filled her family lives with her love and her generous, giving personality. Every year her brothers and their families made the trip from CA and GA to spend Christmas in Ohio. As started by her mother many years before, Gloria made Christmas a magical week-long fun, full of making memories, adventures, many hours of playing games, especially Uno, and you could have found the group playing into the wee hours.  She adored her nephews and nieces, and showered them with gifts, loving advice, and always personally remained involved with each of them, keeping up with their busy lives.  The memories they made are why our children feel they could not have had better childhood memories of times with their family. We will forever be thankful for the love she bestowed on us. 

I cannot end speaking of Gloria without mentioning her love for sports, especially OH teams. Whether football, baseball or basketball she could talk sports with the best of them! She and her dad were Cleveland Indians fans and bought season tickets to attend every game.  She became friends with those seated around her and was the life of the party.

We are all blessed to have been in Gloria’s orbit of life. She is someone that will never be replicated and always missed. We are thankful for our family, her friends and ours, for the prayers and condolences. 

Our special appreciation to Bonnie Krech, who was always there for her and would check in every day. Also, our appreciation to Jen and Andy Dietz for their loving care and support for anything that she needed. 

Guests are welcome to visit with the family from 4-7 pm on Friday, April 22nd at Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH  44221.  A Funeral service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, April 23rd also at the funeral home.  Pastor Steve Bucy from The Chapel, Akron Campus will officiate.   A Graveside service will follow at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park at 2613 Sackett Ave, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223.  

Arrangements entrusted to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 330-928-2147.