Marie Spence Dawson, 86, of New Bern, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 30, 2016 surrounded by her family. Born on March 17, 1930, Marie was the daughter of the late Joseph and Cassie White Spence. She grew up in the Wintergreen community in western Craven County where she learned the values of hard work and honesty. She was blessed with the ability to play the piano and enjoyed sharing that gift with her friends and family. Marie loved her family and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.
As a true fan of Elvis and lover of his music, two of Marie’s fondest memories was when he visited New Bern for a concert in the late 1950’s and when she traveled to Graceland. She was very active in the White Shrine, holding several offices including that of Worthy High Priestess. A woman of faith and devotion to her Lord, Marie was a member of West New Bern Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at the Lakeside Chapel of Greenleaf Memorial Park.
In addition to her parents, Marie was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Jack Dawson, Sr., sister, Elizabeth Knowles, and a great grandson, Joshua Salsman.
Surviving her are five children and their spouses, Jack Dawson, Jr. (Terri), Mike Dawson (Mary), Donna Hardee (Danny), Tommy Dawson, and Gary Dawson (Ann); thirteen grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends just prior to the service at the Lakeside Chapel of Greenleaf Memorial Park from 10 to 11 a.m. Friends are invited to share memories and sign the online guest book by visiting www.cottenfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, at the family request, contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001 or to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 1150 NW 14th St #609, Miami, FL 33136.
Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.
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