Edith Dunn

Edith Dunn, the second child to the late Lena Daniels and the late Willie Daniels, was born on October 25, 1944 in Emporia, Virginia. Her early life was greatly influenced by her grandmother, the late Ida Mae Franklin, whom she lived with off and on until age nine. After attending Greensville County Elementary School, Edith made a permanent move to live with her mother and two sisters, Barbara Jean Daniels and Sandra Carter. Edith made a profession of faith and was baptized at First Charity Baptist Church on March 17, 1965. She attended Dunbar High School in Baltimore, but soon left after the birth of her first born, Derrick Andrew Dunn. Edith worked various jobs to help support her son. One year later, she gave birth to her second son, Danny, who was placed for adoption. After 40 years, they were miraculously reunited. In 1963, Edith married Charles Dunn, Jr. and to that union was born Pamela and Charles. Edith and Charles Jr. divorced in 1973. Edith was a strong willed woman and participated in the Congress of Racial Equality (C.O.R.E.) where she fearlessly fought against racial injustice. She went to work for Westinghouse’s Molecular Division, but was laid off in 1974. She then worked for Bethlehem Steel Corporation where she was the first woman, and for a long time the only woman, to work on the 48 inch tandem rod mill. It was there that she met her husband, the late Richard Dawson, Jr. Edith became heavily involved in union activities. She was the first woman elected to the Executive Board of Local 2609 United Steel Workers of America (USWA). She won an election to become Trustee of that Local. The Union later appointed her to the Blood Bank Committee. She was also the first woman hired at Gypsum Wall Board – a lot of firsts for a woman with only an eighth grade education. She was a licensed insurance underwriter, and obtained a license in cosmetology. In 2015, Edith was contacted by the Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group (HLLG) where she participated in the program “Reflecting on the History of African American Contributions to Sparrows Point.” She retired from Bethlehem Steel after 25 years. During retirement, Edith decided to return to school and attended Essex Community College where she proudly earned her Maryland H.S. Diploma on December 31, 2004. Edith always looked forward to spring so she could pot an abundance of flowers for her deck. She also looked forward to Christmas. She would decorate her entire house and tree with hundreds of lights, winning best decorated house in the neighborhood one year. Gardening and decorating for Christmas were favorites of hers. Whether it was the heart of the East Side or the suburbs, Edith kept the finest house on the block, taking pride in her well-manicured lawn. Edith was a loving and caring person and had a big heart. Her husband, Rich, adored her and loved her deeply. She nurtured and guided her children in a way that was unmatched by any other. She took on her grandson, Jason, or as she would call him, her “Main Man,” as her own. She loved to cook and enjoyed hosting family. Edith became ill a few years ago and was on a gradual decline. She succumbed to complications of COVID-19 which were aggravated by her underlying illnesses. Edith departed this life on August 3, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Dawson, Jr. who departed on December 21, 2008; and her son, Derrick Andrew Dunn, who departed on October 10, 2015. Edith leaves to mourn and cherish her memory: three children, Danny Ulysses Hicks, Pamela April Harris (James), and Charles Charon Dunn (Harlow); two step-children, Debbie Luciano and Richard Dawson, III; ten grandchildren: Linea Dunn, James Kevin Sharp, Jr., a.k.a. Jason, Deneane Freeman (Daniel), Deneada Dunn, Edith Christina Harris, Shanaiea Dunn, Cheryl Jamie Harris, Danny Ulysses Hicks, Jr., Tatyana Kahlillah Dunn, Kamirah Nyla Dunn; four great-grandchildren: Saione Elaine Renee Epps, Natalia Ace Harris, Sanai Wagstaff, and Nathaniel Cash Harris; a sister, Sandra Holt; Clara Carroll, a.k.a. Doll, who was like a sister; an aunt, Mary Lambert; an uncle, Lenon Franklin; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tributes

Edith Dunn

October 25, 1944 - August 3, 2020