Jerlene Robinson Dawson, affectionately known as Aunt Jack, Jackie,
and Granny, a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, was born
on January 6, 1924, in Oneonta, Alabama, to the late Elbert Roy and Nellie
Robinson. Jerlene R. Dawson was the sixth child of eight children and was
brought up in a nurturing, loving family.

As a Fairfield Industrial High School student in the late 1930s, Jerlene
discovered a love for sports that she fostered throughout the course of her life.
She was a skilled basketball player whose talent and sportsmanship on the
court earned her many medals and awards. Mrs. Dawson would later allow
her love for sports to be displayed with the Swinging Seniors at the Fairfield
Senior Community Center. She participated in the Senior Olympics annually
and received recognition for her accomplishments well into her 80s.

In 1941, Jerlene was joined in holy matrimony to Ben Dawson, Jr., and to this
union, six children were born and reared. Jerlene loved the Lord and taught
her children and grandchildren the importance of knowing who God is.

Jerelene's love for God was not only apparent in her home life; she allowed her
love for her heavenly Father to also influence her career. Mrs. Dawson worked
ten plus years as a physician's assistant for Dr. Douglas Collins, MD, and two
years as a teacher's assistant at Powderly Elementary School in Birmingham,
Alabama. More than fifty years ago, Mrs. Dawson joined First Missionary
Baptist Church in Pratt City and she was a dedicated member there until her
transition. While at First Baptist Missionary Baptist Church, "Mrs. Dawson,"
as her church members would fondly call her, was an active member of the
Hattie B. Gilbert Matrons where she had the opportunity to serve those in her
community and make life-long friends along the way.

Jerlene answered the call of the Lord and gained her wings on Friday, June
3, 2022. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ben Dawson, Jr.; siblings,
Billy Gene Robinson, Mattie Bell White, Addie Mae Hicks, Frank Robinson,
Margaret Ann Polk, Agnes Stockdale Hodge, and Roy Robinson; and
grandchildren, Roland LaDarryl Dawson and Steven McDaniel.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Roland Dawson (Ruby) of
Florence, Alabama, Tommy Earl Dawson (Linda) of Alabaster, Alabama,
Bennie Joyce Andrews of Columbia, Maryland, Bill Ray Dawson (Marva) of
McCalla, Alabama, and Carolyn Hunter and Jacqueline D. Jones (Quincy),
both of Birmingham, Alabama; sister, Roberta McPherson; grandchildren,
Renrick Hunter, LaTonja Green (Reginald), Roy Dawson (Beth), Anthony
Dawson (Sherita), Gregory Dawson (Densie), Lewis Andrews, Jr., Tracie
Andrews, Ashlee Andrews (André), Billie Ray Dawson, Jr., Brandon Dawson
(Leia), Stacie N. Jones, and Courtney L. Jones; eighteen great-grandchildren;
two great-great-grandchildren; special neighbors, Vanessa and Cornessa
Blaylock, Ernestine Sewell, and Terina and Hurdle Samuels; special caregivers,
Sezette Spivey and NaToya Booker, owner of Love One Care; and a host of
loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.