Obituary of Janie Dawson

Janie Francis Miles Dawson, 93, of Lynchburg, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late Raymond L. ?Jack? Dawson, Sr., for 50 wonderful years. Janie was born on Christmas Day, 1915, on a farm near Gladys, Virginia. She was the eldest daughter of the late Wyatt S. Miles, Sr., and the late Lena J. Miles. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved brother Wyatt S. ?Buddy? Miles, Jr. Janie moved to Lynchburg in 1933 after graduating with honors from Gladys High School. While attending Phillips Business College she met Jack, and on February 11, 1938, they were married. On June 11, 1943, their son Raymond L. ?Tommy? Dawson, Jr., was born. Nearly two years later, on May 26, their daughter Barbara Jane Dawson was born. Janie was a loving wife and mother. Janie also took great pride in her professional accomplishments. For over 40 years ?Mrs. D,? as she was fondly known, worked tirelessly for C. L. Lewis & Co. as secretary and treasurer. Mrs. D, according to Mr. Charles L. Lewis at her retirement in 1978, ?endeared herself into the hearts of everyone who have had the privilege of knowing and working with her.? Janie possessed a strong, life-long faith. She was extremely active in the ministry of Park View United Methodist Church, where she was a member. For all of her adult life she served her church in many capacities: Sunday School teacher, Youth director, and leader of a woman?s circle (later renamed the Janie Dawson Circle in her honor). She is survived by her sister, Mitchell Miles Walker, her brother-in-law, Ralph Walker, her sister-in-law, Eleanor ?Toots? Dawson, and her children, Barbara and Tommy, along with their respective spouses, Kelly J. Kurtz, Sr., and Mary F. Dawson. Janie had four grandchildren who adored her: Craig Dawson and his fiancée, Isabel Domingues, of San Diego, California; Stephen Dawson (Marilyn), of Lynchburg; Wendy Kurtz Eubank (Scott), of Roanoke; and Kelly J. Kurtz, Jr., (Alyssa), of Concord. Janie was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Sam Dawson, Caleb Eubank, Gavin Eubank, Hannah Eubank, Katie Kurtz, and Kyle Kurtz. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00, Thursday, May 28, at Diuguid Waterlick Chapel, Lynchburg, with the Reverend Wyatt S. Miles, III, presiding. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home, and at other times at the home of Barbara and Kelly Kurtz, 1267 S. Oak Lawn Drive, Forest. The family would like to express their deepest thanks to Della Fuqua and the staff at Heritage Green for their attentive care for Janie over the last years of her life. The family suggests those wishing to make memorial gifts please consider the Park View Community Mission or a charity of their choice.