Obituary
Guest Book
1924
2017
Mary Lily Coleman Dawson, 92, of Lynchburg, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2017. She was the wife of the late William Elmer Dawson. Mary Lily was born May 8, 1924 in Bedford County, a daughter of the late Robert Lee Coleman and Dessie Martin Coleman. She graduated from Mayfair College of Beauty Culture; owning & operating hair salons in Big Island and Coleman Falls. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary; enjoyed estate sales, flowers, collecting dolls; and was a member of Cove United Methodist Church in Coleman Falls. To all who knew her; she was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother and grandmother; as well as a devoted friend to so many.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving and devoted children, Mary Jane Massie of Big Island, Rebecca Mitchen (Kentwood) of Lynch Station, Shelby Burks of Monroe, and Robert Dawson (Donna) of Coleman Falls; sisters, Helen Reynolds of Lynchburg, Barbara Burks (Allen) of Big Island, and Brenda Wiles of Coleman Falls; sister-in-law Mabel Coleman; brothers, Melvin (Norma) Coleman of Jacksonville, Ark., and Gene Coleman (Faye) of Lynchburg; grandchildren: Sophia Leger, Sonya Massie Toms (Ryan), Irvan "Buddy" Jay Daniels, W.H. Burks, J.R. Burks (Spring), Audrey Marlette Chocklett (Stephen Rock), Robert Curtis Dawson, Jr., and Charles Dawson (Valarie); great-grandchildren, Jenee Welsh (Joe), Emily Cox, Cole Burks, Kenzi Burks, Stone Chocklett, Jake Burks and Zeke Chocklett; great-great-grandchildren, Cameron Leidich and Jou'le Welsh; many nieces and nephews; and all of her very close friends. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Edward Allison, David Coleman, Strother Coleman, and Carl Coleman.
A celebration of Mary Lily's life will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 27, 2017 at Whitten Funeral Home, 1336 Park Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24501, with Pastor Stephen Rock Chocklett and Pastor Jane Whitehead officiating. Family and friends will be received two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Big Island Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Heart Association or Cove United Methodist Church at 1082 Walker Road, Coleman Falls, VA 24536
Arrangements under the direction of Whitten Funeral Home/Park Avenue, Lynchburg, VA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Whitten Timberlake Chapel.
5 Entries
February 27, 2017
Larry and Janet Ross
So sorry for your loss. Mary live a good, long life. Janet and I send our condolences and prayers. Larry and Janet Ross
February 26, 2017
Marion Weeks
May God wrap His loving arms around each of you as you remember the wonderful times you enjoyed with Mary Lily. She was always kind and loving each time I was in her presence. RIP Mary Lily. Marion H. Weeks, Knoxville, TN
February 26, 2017
Connie Routon Purvis
She truly was a mentor for me . I can see her smile now and her encouragement
to do more. She touched many and gave of herself to family and friends.
Marylily you were a gift , go in peace to your reward.
February 25, 2017
Violet Hamilton
Who can say enough about Marylily? She received everyone with her sweet smile and open arms. She was my mother's very best friend, forever. Marylily referred to my sisters and me as her extended children. We would visit her thinking we were going to lift her up....wrong....; she always lifted us up.
We don't have to worry where she presently is; in the presence of Jesus, who died for her sins. She was a Christ Follower, who loved her Lord and exhibited his character. I picture her binging mother up-to-date on all of the family, and rejoicing with her family who preceeded her.
Thank you, Lord, for allowing her kindness to spil over on me.
Love to the family,
Violet Hamilton
February 24, 2017
American Heart Association
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
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