Our Beloved Dorothy Dawson has passed

Honoring a Phenomenal Woman
Funeral Services for Ms. Dorothy Dawson
 
 
Dorothy Dawson was a legend to both Dunbar Vocational High School where she worked for over 30 years and the USATF Illinois Track & Field Association for nearly 50 years.
 
Dorothy Dawson gained her wings on November 17, 2021, at the age of 91 years old.
 
Ms. Dawson was a phenomenal woman and the epitome of selflessness. She would often give her last to ensure that someone did not go without. She was an inspiration to her community, our youth, and all who crossed her path.
 
We are requesting donations to assist with the  Lying in State  at Dunbar Vocational High School, Funeral Expenses, Repast, and Flowers.
 
 Please give whatever you feel in your heart to support this effort. Any additional funds will be used to create a Dorothy Dawson scholarship.
 
SERVICES
VIEWING
  Thursday, December 9, 2021
  4:00 - 8:00 pm
  Dunbar Vocational High School - 3000S. King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616   WAKE   Friday, December 10, 2021   10:00 - 11:00 am   Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church - 4526 South Greenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60653 
FUNERAL*
  Friday, December 10, 2021
  11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church - 4526 South Greenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60653 
* The funeral will be broadcast live via Facebook. Streaming details will be made available soon. You can visit the Dorothy Dawson Funeral Services webpage for updates.

Per Jacci White:
 It is with immense sadness that I must inform you that our dear friend and one of the great advocates of our sport has passed. Mrs. Dorothy Dawson passed away at 10:30am this morning surrounded by Brenda Kimbrough, her mentee and President of the Illinois Association and her loved ones. She was a true leader in this organization, helping to establish The Athletic Congress (TAC) which would later become USATF. Mrs. Dorothy (as she was known by all) was an integral part of the National Youth Division, serving as its Vice Chair of Administration and Treasurer. She, with a few others, helped to create the Youth Training and Development program, and she was instrumental in our youth athletes being able to experience traveling abroad and competing in the sport. 

 Mrs. Dorothy served as President for the Illinois Association for 
many years and was the founder of one of the oldest and largest track 
& field teams in the Chicago area, the Zephyrs. She has received 
numerous awards throughout her lifetime as an educator and athlete. In
2010 she received the Robert Giegengack award, one of the highest 
honors a person can receive through the USATF organization. Her 
commitment and leadership is a great loss and will surely be missed 
by us all.

 Please keep her family and the Illinois Association in your thoughts 
and prayers. More information concerning her services to follow as 
they become available.

Per Regina Bagby:
It is with great difficulty that we share the passing of longtime USATF Illinois member and track & field pioneer, Ms. Dorothy Dawson. At the age of 91, she passed this morning, November 17th, after gracefully battling several health issues the last few years.
Ms. Dawson was a phenomenal woman and trailblazer in many areas including education, school administration, and most notably track & field.
We will share more information on services as they become available and look forward to celebrating her life with friends near and far.
You can offer your condolences or assistance to help with arrangements
to USATF Illinois President, Mrs. Brenda Kimbrough.