Hilda B. Dawson

HILDA BERNICE DAWSON, daughter of the late Edith Shipley and Cephas Dare, was born on January 14, 1923, in Baltimore, Maryland. She departed this life on Thursday, March 6, 2008, in Detroit, Michigan.At an early age, Hilda was baptized in the Catholic church and recently she attended Burns Seventh Day Adventist Church with her family in Detroit.While growing up, Hilda attended public schools in Baltimore and New York City and later became a nursing attendant for various families in the New York area. Soon thereafter, she married William Dawson which ended in separation with one child, Gertrude (Peggy). Later in life, Hilda gave birth to Barbara, Saundra (Sandy), Deborrah, Zelma, Donald and Anthony. Peggy and Sandy preceded her to Glory. She loved children, even those were not her biological children. She was affectionately referred to by several names-Mommy, Nana, GG, Ms. Toy, Ms. Hilda and Mom.Throughout her life, she struggled to overcome may obstacles and hardships but despite adversity, she persevered to protect and raise her children. Along the road of trials and tribulations, she met William Davis who became her companion for nearly forty years. Uncle Willie, as he was called, was devoted to Hilda, the children, and grandchildren, Together, Hilda and Uncle Willie stabilized the family for survival and progress. He preceded her in death.Hilda loved arts and crafts. She was always making or sewing something for her family and friends to include pillows, quilts, curtains, dresses, pants and little artifacts for the coffee table. This was one of her ways of giving. And for certain, she gave all that she had to give to her family.She leaves to cherish her memory: three daughters, Barbara J. Davis (Baltimore), Deborrah Griffith (Detroit), and Zelma Sims of Baltimore; two sons, Donald Small, Sr. (Virginia) and Anthony Small, Sr. (Baltimore); and two sons-in-laws, Clarence Davis and Frank Griffith; one daughter-in law, Orvilla Small; 24grandchildren (Teddy and Lester, deceased); 33great grandchildren (Kierra, deceased); 4great, grandchildren; a sister, M. Louise Coates and a brother, John Franklin Dare, both of Jamaica, NY (her sister, Evelyn Figgs, passed in 1961); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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Hilda B. Dawson

January 14, 1923 - March 6, 2008