Sarah "Jeannine" Dawson

She was an only child for 14 years. During that time, she spent her summers in Trawick with her Neill cousins. She had many happy memories of her time spent with them. She remained close to them and their families her whole life.

When she was 14, her brother Charles was born. She was glad to be “Sis” and loved Charles and his family. His wife Judy became like a sister to her.

She married Dewel Ben “Jim” Dawson when she was 18 years old. The Dawson family embraced her. She dearly loved all her in-laws, nieces and nephews.

In the first six years of her marriage, she completed college at Stephen F. Austin College and gave birth to three children, Thomas Neill “Tony” Dawson, Cheryl Ann and Donna.

For the next 30 years, she taught 2nd grade at Cushing Elementary. She developed many lasting friendships with teachers and staff. It brought her joy to see former students who remembered her.

When she was not at school, she was a fun loving mother. During her children’s school years, she found time to attend all their school activities.

In 1976, she happily took on the role as grandmother. Five grandchildren were born in 7 years. She loved being “MeMaw.” She was never happier than when all of her family was together. The family always gathered at her house for the holidays. Each summer they spent a few days at the lake. There they ate the fudge she made, played volleyball, croquet, and enjoyed playing in the lake.

She became a great-grandmother in 2005. Soon nine more great-grandchildren were born. She dearly loved each of them. She wanted to teach them games she played as a child.

When her husband of 64 years passed away, she showed her strength and determination. She spent many afternoons riding her side-by-side. Shopping with Cheryl became one of her favorite activities. She spent many hours sitting outside enjoying nature.

At a very young age, she devoted her life to God. For almost 70 years, she played the piano at Trawick Church. During those years, she also served as an elder, taught Sunday school, and helped teach bible study. She loved her church family and was loved by them.

Throughout her life, Jeannine was an example to others of how to live a joyful life. She was gracious, humorous, thoughtful, and faithful to God. In her last year, she had many health problems. After a life of helping others, it was difficult for her to be the one needing help. Through it all, she was so grateful for the help and acts of kindness others showed her. She kept smiling and counting her blessings. She found joy in the simplest things. Her life was spent in service to her family, her friends, and God.

Jeannine is survived by her son Tony and his wife Sidney. Her daughters and sons-in- law Cheryl and Dwight Phillips, and Donna and Mike Russell. Her grandchildren Jessica Phillips, Joshua Phillips and wife Amy, Luke Russell and wife Erin, Danny Russell and wife Sarah, and Lindsey Dawson. Great- grandchildren Dawson and Lyla Robison, Parker, Jake and Allison Phillips. Grady, Case, Mack, Rhett, and Alden Russell. She is also survived by her brother Charles and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sister-in-law Judy and all of her Dawson in-laws.

A visitation for Jeannine will be held Thursday, January 6, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, 5400 North St, Nacogdoches, Texas 75965. A funeral service will occur Friday, January 7, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors

Interment to follow at Linn Flat Cemetery.

Serving, as pallbearers are Danny Russell, Luke Russell, Josh Phillips, Mike Russell, Dwight Phillips and Lance Neill.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com for the Dawson family.