HEATHSVILLE—Joan Elizabeth Dawson, 88, of Heathsville was called to rest by the Lord on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
Joan was born in Heathsville on March 31, 1936, to the late Otis T. and Hazel B. Dawson.
She enjoyed working for many years for her uncle, G. Carrington Dawson, in his real estate office in Kilmarnock where she served for several years as secretary for the Northern Neck Board of Realtors. She also enjoyed working in the Horn Harbor House Restaurant Gift Shop where people knew her as “Miss Joan the gift shop lady.” Those memories that she adored always brought a smile to her face.
Joan was very proud of her family and nothing brought her more joy than family dinners with everyone in attendance. There are many “secret ingredients” to recipes that only a few select people know about.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Hazel Dawson; her brother, Gene T. Dawson; her nephew, Gregory T. Dawson; and her granddaughter, Heather D. Wilkins.
She is survived by her three beloved daughters, Theresa E. Kimbrough of Lancaster, Johnanna Wilkins (Ronnie) of Burgess and Kris Riviello (Paul) of Wicomico Church; five grandchildren, Erin E. Webb, C. Shannon Wilkins (Kaite), W. Matthew Webb (Heather), Dennis A. Webb (Rebecca) and Paul V. Riviello Jr.; and seven great-grandchildren, Autumn S. Monday, Natalie T. Webb, Tucker M. Webb, Kayleigh B. Riviello, Lily H. Webb, Harris D. Webb and Isabella Riviello.
A funeral service for Joan was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 25, at Welch Funeral Home-Marks Chapel with Reverend Kori Kiss officiating. A visitation for friends and family was held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial followed the service at Coan Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Autism Society of America.
