Joyce H Dawson

Joyce Gail Henderson Dawson beloved mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and devoted friend, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 79.

Joyce was born on November 20, 1946, in Birmingham, Alabama, to the late Grover and Louise Henderson. Raised in Birmingham, she spent nearly 40 years of her life rooted in the community where she grew up. She later made a home in Safford, Alabama, where she resided for many years.

While in Safford, she served for many years as the Parish Administrator at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, a role she held dear to her heart. Joyce cherished the church community, its members, and the many rectors she worked alongside (though Joyce would playfully insist she "mentored" them). Sundays were equally meaningful to her as she worshipped and built cherished bonds with her friends at Orrville United Methodist Church. While her friendships were too numerous to count, she held a special place in her heart for Iva Schrock of Safford, whose trusted friendship and unwavering support Joyce leaned on heavily.

Most recently, Joyce found a warm and loving community at Whitehall Assisted Living in Dothan. Whitehall provided the perfect setting and spark that made her final year exceptionally fulfilling and gratifying.

Joyce's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her sons, Dr. Eric Dawson, Jr. (Penelope) and Todd Dawson (Kelly), and her wonderful grandchildren, whom she loved beyond measure; Ella Dawson Corte (Trevor), Grace Dawson, Caroline Dawson, Lilly Dawson, and Owen Dawson. Nothing brought Joyce more happiness than spending time with her grandchildren and watching them grow into remarkable people and do great things, though she never missed an opportunity to lovingly remind them that they inherited their good looks and "smarts" from her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Sandra McKinney, and other beloved family members.

A private family burial will be held at the columbarium at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Selma, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joyce's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee (stjude.org) or to the Selma and Dallas County Animal Shelter (206 Medical Center Parkway, Selma, AL 36701).

Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com