Obituary: Dorthy Adele (Dixon) Dawson

In Loving Memory of Dorthy Adele (Dixon) Dawson

Dorthy Adele (Dixon) Dawson, known to her friends and family as a warm and caring soul, passed away peacefully in her home in Clovis, New Mexico, on November 8, 2023, at the age of 84. She was born on March 20, 1939, in Sudan, Texas, the eighth child of Calvin Sr. and Ozzie Mae Shaw.

Dorthy's roots in Clovis, New Mexico ran deep because she spent her formative years in this close-knit community and never left its embrace. She was a proud graduate of Clovis High School, where she made lasting friendships and developed a strong sense of community spirit that would define her life. Following in the footsteps of her father and older brothers, Dorthy embarked on an incredible career as a culinary curator, specializing in Chinese American cuisine.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dorthy was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Dorthy was a strong women of faith and loyally served as one of Jehovah Witnesses' for over 50 years. She was a self-described shop-a-holic who never turned away from a 70% off clearance sale and loved to express herself through her classy attire. Dorthy was known to have a matching purse, heels, watch, and necklace set for every outfit she owned. She loved playing board games such as Scrabble and Pronto with anyone who liked to get “the brakes beat off them”. Her original composition, “Coronavirus Blues” was a regional hit with family and friends. Dorthy had an infectious smile, a generous heart, and a gift for making people feel at ease. She listened without judgment and offered sound Biblical advice when asked. Her love for her biological and spiritual family was evident in everything she did, and her memory will continue to warm the hearts of those who knew her.

Dorthy is preceded in death by her husband, Herbert “Gene” Dawson, former spouse, Ezekiel Taylor, parents; Calvin and Ozzie Mae Shaw and siblings; Doris Ross, Calvin Shaw, Lois Pollard, Eunice Wauford, Charles Shaw, Sherman Shaw, Robert Shaw, and Gene Shaw.

She is survived by two sisters; Dessie Mallory of Alamogordo, NM, and Betty Jan (Willie) Myles of Las Vegas, NM, four beloved children; Phyllis (James) Parrot, Jacqueline (Jackie) (Earl) Todd, Wendy Corsey, and Sylvester (Bertha) Taylor, all of Clovis, nine grandchildren; LaShonda (Devin) Alfred, David Shaw, Jennifer Jefferies, Tethroszenia Todd, Crystal (Bartley) Lotterberry, Robin Corsey, Jamika Stanberry, LaShonda Stanberry, and Jamelia Lehn, five great-grandchildren; LaSnosha Snowden, Alicia and Jasmin Alfred, Jazzmyna Shaw, and Griffin Lotterberry; one great-great-granddaughter, Kamariana McKenzie, and host of nieces and nephews.

As we mourn her passing, let us also celebrate the extraordinary life of a woman who brought so much joy and knowledge to the world. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by those fortunate enough to have known her. Prior to her transition, Dorthy left with the parting words, “See you in Paradise.”

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1400 M.L.K Jr Blvd., Clovis, NM with Wallace Nance officiating. Dorothy will be laid to rest next to her husband, Herbert Eugene Dawson, at a later date in Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, NM.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Muffley Funeral Home, http://www.muffleyfuneralhome.com, (575) 762-4435.