Dawn Christine Gadberry

Dawn Christine Hiller Gadberry, age 64, passed away peacefully at home on January 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and close friends. Born on September 7, 1961, in Tampa, Florida, Dawn courageously battled breast cancer for more than eight years before losing a brief two-month fight with acute kidney failure. As she took her last breath on earth, we find comfort in knowing she took her first in Heaven.

She was preceded in death by her younger brother, Brett Hiller, and her grandparents.

Dawn was a devoted wife, mother, Nonnie, daughter, sister, and aunt — truly the heartbeat of her family. Strong, resilient, and deeply faithful, she had a remarkable way of holding everyone together through both joy and hardship.

She is survived by her loving husband, Calvin; her children, CJ and spouse Paige Gadberry, and Sarah Stockdale; and her beloved granddaughters, Addie and Aubrey, who were the pride and joy that kept her fighting through every round of treatment. She is also survived by her parents, Paula and Lonnie Hiller; her sister, Lori and husband John Laurie; her brother, Bob and wife Michelle Hiller; and many cherished nieces and nephews — Trey, Ashley, Brent, and Ryan.

Dawn shared a beautiful and enduring love story with Calvin. The two first met in 1984, reconnected years later while he was on leave from the Marine Corps, and soon married — beginning a lifetime of adventures together. Their journey took them from Camp Pendleton, where CJ was born, to Twentynine Palms while expecting Sarah, before ultimately returning to Texas to raise their family.

Life brought its share of challenges, including time spent apart, but God had other plans. One day Dawn drove past Bayshore Baptist Church and read the message, “God Allows U-Turns.” Not long after, they found their way back to one another and remarried, beginning a new chapter filled with road trips, laughter, Harley rides, Jeep adventures, and unforgettable travels — including Dawn’s favorite 18-day, 5,000-mile journey across eight states.

Dawn loved deeply and without reservation. Whether you were part of her blood family, her Wind & Fire MC family, LPFD family, Mayhem Jeep Club, or lifelong friends, if Dawn considered you family — you were family. Her infectious smile could light up any room, and her encouragement brought hope to countless women facing their own cancer journeys. Even while undergoing treatment, she comforted others, reminding them to remain hopeful.

Though the last months were not what she or her family had planned, Dawn faced every day with courage and grace. Today, she is free from pain — no more treatments, hospital stays, or difficult tests — resting in eternal peace.

Dawn requested to be cremated, and her family will honor her wish by taking her to her happy place, the beach in Florida. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 14, 2026, with location details to be announced.

Though our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for the gift of Dawn’s life and the additional eight years we were blessed to share after her diagnosis. Her love remains the thread that binds us together, and her legacy will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.