Janet Sue Dawson

It is with a heavy heart we announce that on July 11, 2024, Janet Sue Dawson passed away unexpectedly after a short illness. She leaves a grieving partner, family and friends.
Jan was born in Columbus, Ohio at Grant Hospital on November 3, 1951 during a big snowstorm. She was the second of three daughters born to Mary Anne Roberts Dawson and James Ernest Dawson. In 1962 the family moved to the Gulf Coast of Florida and Jan became a true Floridian. She loved the beach, tropical plants, seafood and, in general, the Jimmy Buffet lifestyle.
Jan was a kind-hearted animal lover and as a kid rescued and adopted various strays, turtles and birds. In her professional life she worked as a respiratory therapist in the neonatal unit of Tampa General Hospital, caring for the tiniest babies. She worked with her mother and sister at Annsworth Academy in Tallahassee, and later worked as a research assistant for the University of Florida in Ft. Pierce. She sometimes had a parrot or cockatoo and always had a beloved dog companion, favoring golden retrievers and Yorkies. Jan was not an extrovert, but a loyal friend to a few, who loved her sardonic wit and view of life.
Jan will be deeply missed by her soulmate Wayne Hemighaus, who brought her great happiness in the last 15 years of her life, her mother Anne Dawson, her sisters Anita Dawson (Steve Elbert) and Chris Bertoch. She was a wonderful aunt to nieces and nephews Jason Bertoch (Becca), Jamie Bertoch (Sara), Caroline Elbert, Olivia Dawson, and grandnieces and nephews Amelia Bertoch, Annabelle and Wilson Bertoch.
A Celebration of Life will be held later.
Donations in memory of Janet can be made to the Leon County Humane Society via mail: 413 Timberlane Road Tallahassee, 32312, or online at leoncountyhumane.org/donate/tribute-to-a-person/
Dayne Parker of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Dawson
family with their arrangements.