Ms. Iris Antoinette Dawkins

Iris Antoinette Dawkins the eldest child of the late Leymon and Corine F. Weathersbee, was born on February 6, 1960 in Halifax County, Tillery NC and departed this life on Monday, May 5, 2025 in Durham, NC.
At an early age, Iris joined Chestnut Grove Baptist Church. Iris attended Tillery's Chapel and Bakers elementary school and graduated from Scotland Neck High School in 1978. Her education and professional development include Associates of Arts – Biblical Studies Carolina College of Biblical Studies, Fayetteville, NC; Associate of Arts – General Studies, Central Texas College, Killeen, Texas and Biblical Counseling Certificate.
Iris served more than 35 years as both a retired United States Army service member and a retired North Carolina State Employee, specializing in Human Resource and Personnel Administration providing exceptional customer service. Iris enlisted in the United States Army in 1986 and was honorably retired after 20 years at the Rank of Sergeant (SGT) promotable. She held distinguished positions such as Administrative Specialist, Personnel Administrative Manager, Police Service Supervisor, Administrative Assistant, and Executive Administrative Assistant. She served in multiple locations to include, Fort Jackson, SC; Fort Bragg, NC; Camp Casey and Yongsan, South Korea; Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy; and Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her awards and decorations include Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (10th award), Army Achievement Medal (4th award), the Good Conduct Medal (6th award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon; Overseas Ribbon (3rd award) and the Drivers and Marksmanship Badges.
After retiring from the United States Army, Iris continued to serve as a North Carolina State Employee. She served two years as an Office Assistant III at the Hoke Correctional Institution in Raeford, North Carolina, and 15 years as a Driver License Examiner Specialist at the North Carolina DMV in Raeford, North Carolina. She was recently employed as a Logistics Associate, DOD Contractor in the United States Army Reserve Command G-6, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Iris achieved numerous certificates during her career including Human Resources Specialist Certification Course; Drug and Alcohol Coordinator Training; Instructor Training Course; Manager/Supervisor Development Course, the Leadership Education and Development Course, and Secretary of State Appointed as North Carolina Notary Public for Cumberland County. She was so tough that she received her Certificate of Completion and Permit for Concealed Carry Handgun. "A Bad Mama Jama!"
Iris was always willing to help everyone. Whenever there was a family function, Iris was always called upon for her creativeness, talent, and eye for decorating. She lived life to the fullest and encouraged her Family to do so. All you had to do was ask, and Iris was right there.
Iris has now been rejoined with her daughters Lovely Renee' and Ebony Jalai Johnson as well as her dad Leymon Weathersbee and her nephew Alvin Draughn.
Iris leaves to cherish her memories, a devoted son; Dominic R. Dawkins of the home, mother Corine F. Weatherbee of Scotland Neck NC, Sisters: Gwendolyn Renee' Draughn (Clarence) of Scotland Neck, NC, and Tracey L. Weathersbee of Halifax, NC, Nieces: Sade' Weathersbee of Rocky Mount, NC, Ashley S. Smith (Shawn) of Scotland Neck, NC, Great-Nieces: SaNiyah Weathersbee, Maliyah McGee, Tamia McGee and A'Zariah Draughn, Nephew; Rontrel M. Weathersbee ; Great-Nephew: Demarian J. Draughn. Aunts; Marie Weatherbee of Philadelphia, PA, Sarah Neville of Halifax, NC and Mary Pittman of Scotland Neck, NC, Uncles; Roy Lee Weathersbee of Philadelphia, PA, and Claude Weathersbee of Fayetteville, NC. Aunt-in-Laws; Barbara and Mary Weathersbee of Philadelphia, PA. A close sisterly friend Dominica Mello of Fayetteville, NC. A host of very close-knit cousins who loved her dearly, and many more friends who will miss her greatly.