Dawn Lucille Rucker

Dawn Lucille Rucker was born on May 22, 1962, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Diane Gainer and Donald Rucker (deceased).

Dawn was educated in Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated from Collinwood High School and went on to attend Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism.

Throughout her career, Dawn dedicated herself to several non-profit organizations in the Cleveland area. From the Cuyahoga Plan of Ohio to the Heights Community Congress, her work primarily focused on fair housing and educational programs for children.

A voracious reader, Dawn's interest in various genres evolved over the years, but she was never without a book in hand, or more recently, her Kindle. She was also an exceptional cook, baker, and "foodie," known for researching and trying out new recipes, as well as exploring local restaurants. Her cooking and baked goods were always a delight to those around her.

Dawn was deeply committed to local, state, and federal politics, approaching each with enthusiasm and dedication and an eye toward her community.

Dawn passed away unexpectedly on August 29, 2024. Mourning her loss are her son Phillip Rucker, her mother Diane Gainer (Donald Gainer, deceased), her siblings Danita Rucker, Deanna Hamilton (Derek), Drake Douglas (Sheena), and Damon Douglas, as well as her aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Perry Brooks Jackson Building Alpha Phi Alpha Housing Estate aka DAL Elderly Apartments at 4100 E 187th Street, Cleveland, OH 44122 from 11:00am – 1:00pm.