Dawn Christian Grey

GREY, Dawn Christian, 57, of Richmond, Va., surrounded by family and love, died peacefully on February 27, 2017. She is preceded in death by her loving parents, Gloria Dawn Sears and Julius Christian Sears, from whom she inherited a boundless capacity to love and nurture others. Dawn is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 30 years, Zane Andrew Grey, Jr., veteran state trooper with the Virginia State Police. Together since 1979, the two shared a love of family, pets, sports, gardening, fishing, and traveling to Sunset Beach and other favorite spots.

Born on October 18, 1959, Dawn graduated from Clover Hill High School, class of 1978, where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen. She earned a degree in Dental Assisting from J. Sargeant Reynolds and completed a remarkable 37-year career as office manager and assistant to Dr. Richard Wilson. She was caring and compassionate with patients and colleagues alike, and she contributed to the success of the practice with her unwavering work ethic, wisdom, and passion for helping people. She also excelled as an Avon representative for 7 years, building a loyal clientele and lasting friendships.

Dawn’s genuine affection, her gift for encouragement, her quick wit and sense of humor, and her outgoing personality touched countless lives. She put people at ease and knew no strangers. Dawn always thought of and did for others before herself. Her generosity was uncontainable, and her enthusiasm for giving gifts and greeting cards was legendary.

As the wife of a state trooper, she lovingly and graciously dedicated her life to the comfort and care of her husband, receiving in turn his tireless devotion and support every step of the way through a nearly 2-year battle with cancer. Dawn’s faith, courage, determination, and perseverance inspired family, friends, and caregivers. When her battle came to a peaceful end, she entered heaven victoriously and was greeted with the healing embrace of her Lord and Savior.

She is also survived by her brother, Gerald Sears; by aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends; and by Zane’s parents, his siblings and their spouses, most notably by his sister, Susan, who brought Dawn and Zane together. Dawn was Susan’s best friend and a deeply caring aunt to Susan and Carter’s children—Ben, Anna, and Nathan Cole.

The family will receive friends Friday, March 3, 2017 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the, Huguenot Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, Huguenot Chapel, 1020 Huguenot Rd, Midlothian, VA. 23113. A Celebration of her life will be held at Central Baptist Church, 1510 Courthouse Rd, North Chesterfield, Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 1:00 pm with interment in the Church Cemetery. A reception, will follow at Central Baptist, immediately following the service. Donations in Dawn’s memory may be made to Paws for Cause or a charity of your choice.