Obituary of Mary Louise Dawson

Mary Dawson died peacefully on Wednesday, September 10, 2014, at her home in Port Charlotte. A true Floridian, she was born in Tampa, Florida, on February 13, 1928, as Mary Louise Johnston, to her mother, Johnnie. After attending college at Florida State University and later earning her Master's degree from the University of South Florida, she spent the rest of her life putting children first, in the name of Jesus. When she married Lawrence 'Bud' Dawson in 1968, Mary became stepmother to two teenage boys, Larry Jr. and Jim Dawson and through them she was given four grandchildren to love. She also touched the lives of literally thousands of children over decades of teaching elementary school and working with churches, work she continued long after she lost her beloved husband, Bud, in 1999. She is survived by her four grandchildren and remembered by all who knew her as a kind, truly special woman who had love and patience like no other. Her presence was warm like the Florida sun. She is so loved even though she is gone from this world. Her legacy is in the many lives she has touched. A memorial service will be held at 4:00PM on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at Port Charlotte Baptist Church with a reception immediately following. Please visit Mary's tribute wall at www.schelmfh.com to share memories and to send condolences to the Dawson family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Florida Baptist Children's Home: http://www.fbchomes.org/ Arrangements by Paul Schelm Funeral Home in Lake Suzy. Phone (941) 625-3535.