Arlene Dolores Dawson

Born in Detroit, Michigan on September 29, 1941, to Roy A. and Phyllis L. Giese (Jackson), Arlene spent her early years on Rutherford Street in the city of Detroit. She graduated from Thomas M. Cooley High School in 1959. Arlene's life took a beautiful turn in 1962 when she met Rex while they both worked at Sylvania Electric. Their love story culminated in marriage on November 23, 1963, and together they raised their three wonderful children in Livonia. Arlene's passions included bowling, crafts, and ice skating.

Arlene dedicated over 25 years of her professional life to the law offices of Lapham & Doyle. One of her greatest joys was spending time at the family’s lake house on Lake Leelanau, near Traverse City, Michigan,

a cherished retreat built by her parents in 1969.

Arlene is preceded in death by her beloved husband Rexford A. Dawson, Jr., daughter-in-law Christine A. Dawson, and grandson-in-law Tony Gwin. She is survived by her loving children, Richard (Stephanie) Dawson, Janet (Paul) Knight, and Steven (Angela) Dawson, along with her eight grandchildren: Stephanie Gwin, Kimberly (Alex) Piccolo, Heather (Nashawn) Lariviere, Nicole (Joey) Kardynal, Gregory (Claire) Knight, Logan Dawson, Bradley (Colleen) Withenshaw, and Brittany Withenshaw.

Cremation services have been held privately. The family invites friends to join us in remembering Arlene and Rex, celebrating their life together, on Friday, November 22, 2024, from 4:00-8:00pm at the Harry J Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd., Livonia, MI 48152. Additionally, a memorial and interment service for both Rex and Arlene will be held on November 23, 2024, at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia.

The family welcomes donations to the Breast Cancer Foundation | Susan G. Komen® in lieu of flowers.