Shirley Ann Dawson, loved to entertain
Shirley Ann Dawson, 74, of Lewes passed away Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. She died peacefully with her loving husband Bill by her side. She was born Dec. 29, 1945, in Lewes, the daughter of the late Ralph A. and Geraldine Simpler DeLoy. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Mary Ann DeLoy and Douglas R. DeLoy.
Shirley worked for many years as a records analyst/coordinator before retiring from the University of Delaware College of Marine Studies in Lewes. In their spare time, Shirley and Bill worked together to restore their farmhouse where they resided.
Shirley was a proud graduate of Rehoboth High School, class of 1963, and was a very active member of the Sea Hawk Alumni. She was devoted to her family and friends. Her home was always the place to stop for a quick bite to eat or a swim in the pool. Entertaining family and friends at her home brought her much joy, and everyone was made to feel welcome. She loved entertaining, dancing, camping, cooking, relaxing on the beach and reading. She was always the life of any party.
She is survived by her husband of 40 years, her soulmate, William Henry Willis Dawson; her children, Karen Elizabeth Dawson of Rehoboth Beach, Keith Dawson (Nichole) of Milton, and Mark Dawson (Kimberly) of Millsboro; grandchildren, Victoria Clark, Jack and Sara Dawson, Maggie and Morgan Dawson; and a brother, Michael DeLoy (Sally) of Milton. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. She enjoyed attending their many special events, including sports, dance, band, choir recitals and award ceremonies. She was very proud of all their accomplishments. She had a special way of making everyone feel they were her "favorite." She was always encouraging of her family, and her motivational phrases will forever be resounding in their heads as she would often say "Don't ever give up" and "Make it happen, Captain."
Funeral Services will be held Monday, Jan. 6, at 2 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may visit one hour prior to services. Burial will follow the services at the Epworth Methodist Cemetery, 187 Henlopen Ave., Rehoboth Beach.
Memorial contributions may be made to The ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, 321 Norristown Road, Suite 260, Ambler, PA 19002.
Please visit Mrs. Dawson's Life Memorial Webpage and sign the online guest book at http://www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
