Dawn Alice Benton

Though she would have accepted the compliment gracefully while downplaying it with the warm pragmatism and humility so often associated with Midwesterners, Dawn Alice Benton née Murray was one of the brightest lights to ever descend from the heavens and dwell with us a while. The warmth of her smile and her robust sense of humor never failed to thaw even the frostiest of dispositions. So undaunted was her humor that even when in pain or sickness she didn’t refrain from availing herself of that wit and charm. Her love of people was equal to her love for animals, and Dawn was the truest friend to both that either could ever hope for. Those who knew her never ran short of praise and if animals could speak, there would be a chorus of barking, meowing and neighing voices adding to the din of acclaim.

Dawn was born on September 5th, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois to John Joseph Patrick Murray and Jane Cummings Murray née Oliver, along with her twin sister, Dale Agnes Murray. The two were deeply devoted siblings, and both joyfully embraced their Irish heritage. Family and friends cannot help but smile when recalling the legendary St. Patrick’s parties hosted by her parents, which she and her sister enthusiastically partook in.

Dawn enjoyed a variety of pursuits in her younger years, from crocheting and ceramic painting to horse riding and archery. The latter interest introduced her to the man who would become her second husband, LJ Herman Benton Jr., who fell in love with her at first sight when they met in St. Louis. Being equally adept with bow and charm meant Dawn had no need of Cupid! They were married June 30th 1973 after two years of dating nearly every night. On May 18th 1978 their only son, Derek, was born to the happy couple. They moved to Kennesaw, Georgia in August of 1985 and Dawn lived there until her passing.

She was a great many things to a great many people; her handprint is indelibly written across countless hearts.

To her adoring husband LJ Herman Benton Jr., she was a constant companion, a safe harbor in life’s storms, a font of love and support but also a swift kick in the pants when it was needed. Which was often. To her beloved son Derek Murray Benton, she was the name for God on his lips and heart, his first and best friend. She was tutor, confidant, mender of his bruises and a balm to his heart when it was broken. While less of a disciplinarian than her husband, Dawn didn’t hesitate to muster that Irish temper to keep her son on the straight and narrow when he stepped too far astray.

To her daughter-in-law, who lovingly called Dawn her Kennesaw Mom, she was a second mother, friend and co-conspirator in many an escapade. She often remarked to her friends how much she loved her son’s wife and how blessed she felt for their relationship.

To her extended family, she was everybody’s favorite aunt, cousin and sister-in-law. She practiced the nearly lost art of letter writing and kept in touch with various members of the family. Dawn was the family’s de facto story-teller and archivist; she remembered many of the stories, dates and important family events, and preserved many cherished recipes, such as her mother’s potato salad and baked beans, and her grandmother’s Irish soda bread.

To her friends, she was a source of support, wisdom and advice. Dawn had a knack for connecting with almost anybody and her candor and humor made her eminently likeable and unforgettable. Dawn called things like she saw them, but with grace and aplomb that won her the trust of those numerous souls who called her friend.

After one too many bad throws from her Quarter Horse, Cowboy, she hung up her saddle for good. Dawn became very active in dog training, obtaining a Companion Dog degree with her Siberian Husky, Ming the Merciless. This began a long and passionate devotion to training and showing dogs. She became involved in various dog clubs, such as the Atlanta Doberman Pinscher Club, where she served in various functions, including president, for seventeen years.

Dawn passed peacefully on March 12th 2022, surrounded by her husband, son, and daughter-in-law. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and dear friends. While broken-hearted, they know that she is never truly gone and dwells with the ancestors and within the heart of each person she touched.

"Do not weep for me for I have not gone.

I am the wind that shakes the mighty Oak.

I am the gentle rain that falls upon your face.

I am the spring flower that pushes through the dark earth.

I am the chuckling laughter of the mountain stream.

Do not weep for me for I have not gone.

I am the memory that dwells in the heart of those that knew me.

I am the shadow that dances on the edge of your vision.

I am the wild goose that flies south at Autumns call and I shall return at Summer rising.

I am the stag on the wild hills way.

I am just around the corner.

Therefore, the wise weep not.

But rejoice at the transformation of my Being.”

- Author unknown

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers donations to the following charities are also acceptable.

American Heart Association

American Kidney Fund

Atlanta Doberman Pinscher Club

A memorial service for Dawn will be held Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Woodstock Funeral Home, 8855 Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188, followed by a reception from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodstockfuneralhome.com for the BENTON family.