Gloria "Jean" Dye Dawson

Gloria “Jean” Dye Dawson, 90, peacefully passed away on 6/11/2025 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center.

Born in Gaston County NC on February 5, 1935,, to Wilburn & Alda Dye, Jean’s life began with challenges, first being born deaf with a congenital heart. Doctors advised her parents that Jean’s life expectancy may not exceed the age of 2. At age 2, Jean was taken to the NC School for the Deaf in Morganton, NC to be educated and trained for a life as normal as possible. There, she made life-long friends that were facing similar challenges. After graduating, Jean went home and later married. Becoming pregnant, doctors told her with the congenital heart issues that she had, either she or the baby or both would not make it through the delivery. Jean proved the doctors wrong again. Raising a daughter as a single parent, she faced more challenges unable to gain employment due to deafness. Family stepped in and helped Jean raise her child until she was able to find work. Ten years later in 1969, Jean faced a different challenge with a diagnosis of Melanoma – She won.

In 1974, when attending Homecoming at NC School for the Deaf, Jean met Joe Dawson who attended Virginia School for the Deaf and later married in 1974 and moved to Greensboro, NC. The couple returned to Gastonia, NC, a few years later and became actively involved with the Crouse Deaf Club in Crouse, NC, working as a team creating more life-long friendships. Life was good and they went everywhere together. After gallbladder surgery, her doctor saw a small spot on an X-ray and Jean was given a diagnosis of lung cancer. Undergoing surgery removing the lower lobe of her lung, she came out victorious, beating cancer a second time. She and Joe continued enjoying life together until Joe’s death in 2020. Jean had to learn to live life alone and moved to find new friendships at Catherine Booth Garden Apartments in 2022. Later in 2024, a third diagnosis of breast cancer was given at age 90. During her Pre-Op workup, testing was performed on her heart and doctors discovered her heart valve was badly deteriorated, but the breast cancer had to be addressed. Surgery was performed and again with the will and determination, she beat cancer again for the third time. Six months later, Jean was hospitalized with Pneumonia where her body succumbed to the underlying issues of her failing heart. Surrounded by her family, prayers being lifted and a surprise visit from some life-long friends, Jean expressed she was ready to meet her Maker and final goodbyes were done. Jean tarried with comfort and passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side, leaving a legacy for strong will and determination her children and grandchildren to carry through this life.

In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Dawson; Siblings, Evelyn, Max and Ray.

Survivors include daughter, Jo Tucker (Donald); Sister, Faye Dye; Grandchildren, Matthew Schafer (Victoria), Dani Jo Schafer and Lisa Tucker; Great-grandchildren, Copeland and Mason; along with many nieces and nephews.

A Big Thank You to Dr. Rajesh Rohilla, with much appreciation for Nurses Eshe, Michelle and Brittany at CaroMont  Regional Medical Center, and Zach with Carolina Caring for the love, compassion and care given to Mom during her hospital stay. 

Family will receive friends Saturday, July 19th from 2:00 until 3:00 with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 3:00 at Love Memorial Baptist Church, 311 E Walnut Avenue, Gastonia NC 28052.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be sent to: NC School for the Deaf, Attn: Darlene Newton/Jean Dye Dawson, 517 W. Fleming Drive, Morganton, NC 28655