Dawn Alice Tephford

Dawn Alice Tephford, 60, of Manchester passed away on January 5, 2026 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune Township.
She was a judiciary clerk at the Monmouth County Court House, Freehold where she was employed for 34 years before her retirement.
Dawn was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Freehold where she was a children's caregiver during Sunday worship services. She was also a member of the Freehold Senior Center.
Dawn was a social butterfly. She enjoyed family and friends. She loved all types of music especially country and Christian. She led her life on her own terms. She was known for her loving kindness and contagious smile. Dawn especially enjoyed taking care of the children during church services. She also loved BMX and NASCAR racing. Dawn will truly be missed by all!
She was pre-deceased by a daughter, Rachael Alice, in 1993; her parents, Francis M. Tephford, Jr. and Doris Rue Tephford; and her brothers, William F. Rasiewicz and Edward J. Rasiewicz.
Surviving are her sister Diana L. Dreyer and her husband Thomas; a nephew, Thomas V. Kaznowski Jr.; two cousins, Donna Jackman and husband Neal and Gregg Matthews; many nieces and nephews and friends; the extended Dreyer family; and her dog, Bella.
Visiting will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Friday from 4 to 7 pm. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 91 West Main Street, Freehold on Saturday at 10 am with Rev. Yoseb Jeon, Pastor, officiating. The interment will follow at Old Tennent Cemetery, Tennent.
Memorial donations to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).ORG) would be appreciated.