Hannah Dawson

1925 - 2016

HANNAH DAWSON Hannah Richardson Lyon Dawson, age 90, died Tuesday March 29, 2016 at her home in Fayetteville surrounded by her family. She was born September 16, 1925 in Fayetteville, the daughter of Pauline Horton Lyon and Terry Amos Richardson Lyon. Her mother was a homemaker and her father was an attorney. She graduated from St Mary's School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Before her marriage to Victor Weyher Dawson in 1949, Hannah worked in the public library, then located in the Fayetteville Market House. Throughout her life, Hannah dedicated herself to her church and her community. She was a devoted parishioner of St John's Episcopal Church, where she served on the altar guild. Over the course of many years she volunteered with Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army, Love Luncheons and Breakfast at St Joseph's. She was a member of the Junior League of Fayetteville, the Colonial Dames, the Assembly, the Cape Fear Assembly, the House and Garden Club and the Thursday Book Club. Her husband was President of Cape Fear Broadcasting and she served as a director of their family business. Hannah was adored by her family and friends, and will be remembered for her courage, her energy, her sense of humor and her thoughtfulness toward others. She was a constant and benevolent force in the life of her family, who benefited immeasurably from her wisdom and guidance. Hannah was preceded in death by her husband Victor Weyher Dawson, her sister Jean Lyon Thomas, her infant daughter Chatham Lyon Dawson, her daughter Jean Horton Dawson and her grandson Stedman English Gage. She is survived by four children, Hannah Dawson Gage and her husband William Frank Gage of Wilmington, Victor Weyher Dawson Jr and his wife Jane Hicklin Dawson, John Gilmer Dawson III and his wife Carolyn Harrison Dawson, and Terry Lyon Dawson of Fayetteville. She is also survived by her devoted grandchildren William Dawson Gage, Victor Weyher Dawson III, Edward Hicklin Dawson, James Richardson Dawson, Carolyn Lee Dawson Cantelou and Chatham Lyon Dawson. Hannah was blessed with two great grandchildren Campbell Dawson Cantelou and John Parker Cantelou. The family would like to thank the medical staff at Cape Fear Valley Health and Hannah's wonderful caregivers at home for their invaluable help and support. The family welcomes friends for a reception on Thursday, March 31, from 12 pm - 2 pm at the home, 1525 Morganton Road, following a private graveside service for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, 302 Green St, Fayetteville, NC 28301, the Baddour Center, 626 Baddour Blvd, Senatobia, MS 38668 where Hannah's grandson Vic resides, or a charity of one's choice.