Barbara Jones Dawson

Born in Chester, West Virginia, Barbara was a graduate of Basic High School in 1953. She met her future husband, Laurence Dawson, while studying interior design at UNR. They were married in May of 1957 and happily lived and raised 3 children in Las Vegas. Besides being an amazing wife, mother and friend, Barbara was a successful businesswoman. She was the first Certified Professional Secretary in Nevada, which led to her working in several prominent professional positions throughout her career including as assistant to the originator of Lake Las Vegas. Her career eventually expanded to real estate and property management. When she retired, she was the Vice President and Broker of Record for a large property management company throughout the West.

Her personal accomplishments rivaled her professional ones. She was a world traveler, from Alaska to New Zealand and all through Europe several times over. She kept detailed trip diaries that her family cherishes. Barbara enjoyed painting and her work graces the homes of many family members. She was also a champion sports car driver within the Sports Car Club of America in both Rally and Autocross events.

But her greatest passion was the family which she centered her life around, including them in all she did. Regardless of their interests, she could be counted on to never miss a game, recital, or equestrian event. Barbara and Larry's home on Hacienda became the site of late-night card games, family parties, and too many gatherings to name. Their backyard was sometimes a car lot, sometimes a motorcycle course, sometimes a horse-riding ring complete with jumps, and once the home of a failed gardening attempt by a grade schooler. All thanks to their open hearts and adventurous spirits.

She is survived by her son Brent Dawson, daughters Laura Simpson (Wade) and Jennifer Dawson, Brother Jeff Jones, Sister Kim Brassor, and Niece Barbara Reiger who became their bonus daughter when she lived with them. She was also loved and will be missed by her 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and too many nieces, nephews, and cousins to easily count. She is preceded in death by her husband Larry, parents Sara and George Jones, and her siblings Carol and Jerry.

If there is one thing Barbara loved more than anything, it was babies. Their smell, their skin, their sweet soft bodies...she could sit for hours rocking a baby! In her honor, the family would like to encourage donations to babysbounty.org who serve at-risk families in both Las Vegas and Reno with needed baby supplies and education.