Rowena J. Dawson, 102, teacher was life-long educator
September 5, 2024
Rowena Johnson Dawson of Georgetown died Sept. 2 at Prince George Healthcare. She was 102.
She was born July 30, 1922, in Saluda, the daughter of Scott Holmes Johnson and Lucille Elizabeth Kirby Johnson. Rowena graduated from Lander University with a bachelor’s degree in education and devoted her early career to teaching elementary school. She was married to the late Calvin Conrad Dawson.
Although she retired from traditional teaching, she never stopped embracing the role as an educator throughout her life as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. As a child of the Great Depression, Mrs. Dawson understood that life was full of seasons and often shared her practical wisdom with her family, reminding them that “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” She was especially proud to have met and held all seven of her great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Dawson loved hosting family gatherings at Litchfield Beach, where Easter weekends were always busy and full of laughter. She was known for her Southern cooking, warm embrace and love of card games, particularly bridge, a game where she outplayed and outlasted more than a few of her fellow players.
She was remembered for her keen intellect, love of reading and passion for the outdoors, especially her love of garden shows.
She is survived by her children, Calvin C. Dawson Jr. (Jennifer), Clary S. Dawson (Doris) and Holly Dawson; her grandchildren, Calvin C. Dawson III, Hunter Dawson (Kirsten), Andrew Dawson (Stella), Brandon Dawson (Jessica) and Megan Dawson (Andy Zehr); and seven great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, her five brothers, Rauton, Haskell, Bascom, Malcolm and Scott Johnson Jr., died before her.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. today at Georgetown Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Joel Long. Burial will follow at Pennyroyal Memorial Gardens. The family will receive visitors two hours before the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Georgetown Presbyterian Church Columbarium Fund.
Condolences can be sent at mayerfuneralhome.com.
