Roberta Jeanne Dawson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Roberta Jeanne Dawson on Friday September 13, 2024, after a short, but brave fight with cancer. She was predeceased by her parents Ruth and Kermit Hollingsworth, and brother, Rodger Hollingsworth.

Roberta was born on September 23, 1937, in Kokomo, Indiana and moved to Galveston, Indiana where she was raised with her brother, Rodger, and sisters Pam (Doug) and Paula (Ron).

She met the love of her life, William Edward Dawson, and they married on November 2, 1957. They raised four daughters, Angela Tibbits (Perry), Diane Weidenhamer, Terri Dawson and Shari Bush. They were blessed with five grandchildren, Laura, Kindra, William, Nicole and Kaitlyn. They also have eight great-grandchildren, Thomas, Christopher, Savannah, Isaac, Emily, Fenix, Ella and Charlotte.

After 30 years of service Roberta retired from Civil Service and joined Ed in retirement. They traveled extensively visiting areas of the country the Air Force had not sent them to. They traveled to 49 states and Canada in an RV, and had to fly to Hawaii. They traveled throughout Europe in a Volkswagon van. They went on cruises in the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal and the Baltic countries, including Russia.

She loved to travel, read, work crossword puzzles, spend time with family and friends, and was an endless source of information. Always quick to let you know how things were supposed to be done. She was a wonder at keeping track of friends they had made throughout their travels.

Roberta leaves behind the legacy of a loving family, devoted wife, respected matriarch and courageous fighter. While she was the first to admit she could be both stubborn and demanding at times, her unwavering support of family, sense of humor, and ability to laugh at herself will be deeply missed.

Her life was a life well-lived. She was a wife, mother, big sister, grandmother and great-grandmother that was greatly loved. We will miss you always!

A memorial service for Roberta will be held Friday, September 20, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223.