Ernest Dawson

Ernest Dawson was born in Somerville, TX, on July 17, 1938, to Richetta Tarver and Clint Smith. When Ernest was an infant, his mother, Richetta, married James Dawson and together, they raised Ernest. He was taught about the importance of living for God, attending church, and having good work ethics.

At the age of 3 years old, the family relocated to Tucson, AZ. There, he attended the A Mountain Church of God. As a youth, he also attended the Church of God State Camp meetings in Hanford, CA and in Hallettsville, TX.

Ernest attended the Dunbar combined Primary and Junior High School. He graduated from Pueblo High School.

Ernest had no brothers or sisters but he was only one year younger than his youngest uncle and two years younger than the next uncle. The three of them were often mistaken to be brothers rather than uncles and nephew. They were best of friends throughout their younger years and Ernest seemed to have enjoyed being seen as the "Little Tarver."

In the 1960's, he was introduced to Gwen Anderson (Adams). In April, 1962, they were married and later had two children, a son, Ernest LaMont, who preceded him in death, and a daughter, Sonja Rene'.

In his later years, he often visited his daughter Rene' and family in Atlanta. During July 2019, Ernest joined the Taylor family reunion on a Caribbean cruise. At first, Ernest was hesitant because he had never been on a cruise, but he said he was glad he had the experience. Following the cruise, Ernest and some Tarver family members drove to California and Texas to visit the other family members.

Through his 81 years of life, he easily made and maintained positive interpersonal relationships.

At one time in his life he left his teachings of Christianity and was a victim of wages of sin. For years his family fasted and prayed for him that he would be rescued from the snare in which he caught. We can never thank God enough that several months before he became ill he was set free. About one year before he passed, he and some of his uncles talked weekly in a phone conference and he thanked them profusely for their prayers for him. We knew he had changed because he was never one to fake anything. Our only regret is that his family and friends who have passed on were not here to witnessed the change he made. On December 18,2019, he departed this life. And is now in his eternal home.

He leaves to cherish his memories his daughter, Rene' (Dale) Demmery of Atlanta, GA: Granddaughters, LaTasha Dawson and Landis Demmery, L'Oreal Demmery, Porsha Demmery: Uncles, Melvin (Clarice) Tarver, Ervin (Johnie Mae) Tarver, James (Parthenia) Tarver, Aunt Ruth Tarver, and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.