Joy M Dawson *
SPENCERVILLE — Joy M Dawson passed away on Thursday February 10, 2022 at Mercy Health (St. Ritas) Hospital in Lima, Ohio. She was born March 16, 1936 in Salem, Ohio to John G. Sr. and Helen (Bricker) McConnell, who both preceded her in death. She married Donald C Dawson Jr on December 29, 1956, who also preceded her in death.
Joy was a 1954 graduate from Elida High School. She worked at Ohio Dec and then spent 30 years working at Goodyear in the manufacturing department D. Joy also spent many years working on the family's dairy farm, Sunrise Dairy. Joy was a lifelong member of the Zion United Methodist Church in Elida where she was the handbell choir director. Music was her passion. Throughout her life, she was a member of multiple choirs: the Sweet Adelines, Senior Citizens Choir, and Zion United Methodist Church Choir. Joy knew know stranger. She was a friend to all. Joy enjoyed going out with friends to go dancing and also bowling. She also loved putting puzzles together and playing cards. Friends and family always enjoyed her cooking too. Joy was known for making delicious noodles, both chicken and beef.
Joy is survived by two sons, Jeffrey L Dawson, of Parma; and Gregory L Dawson, of Spencerville. Also surviving are grandchildren Carlisle R Gauvin, of Keene, New Hampshire; Danielle (CJ) Mauro, of Shirley, Massachusetts; and Mathew C Dawson (Mariah Dysinger) of New Bremen; and one great grandchild, Declan Mauro. Joy's surviving siblings, Margaret A “Peg” Weber, of Canal Fulton; Polly McConnell, of Elida; Bruce E (Jo) McConnell, of Spencerville; and sister-in-law Kay McConnell, of Morrow. Surviving nieces and nephews: Scott (Brenda) McConnell; Diane McConnell; Nathan (Jenny) McConnell; Rachel (Jon) Koester; Tyler (Morgan) McConnell; and Claire (Billy) Taflinger. Joy is also survived by 14 great nieces and nephews and 7 great great nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Joy is preceded in death by daughters Marlene B Dawson and Teresa A Gauvin; brother John G. “Jack” McConnell Jr; brother-in-law Lew Weber; and nephews Mark McConnell and John Weber.
Visitation will be at Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville Monday February 14 from 2-8pm and Tuesday February 15 at the Zion United Methodist Church in Elida from 12-2pm. A funeral service will be held at Zion United Methodist Church in Elida at 2pm on Tuesday. Burial will be at the Allentown Cemetery after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joy's name to the Spencerville EMS. Condolences may be expressed to the family at tbayliff@woh.rr.com.
Published by The Lima News from Feb. 10 to Feb. 12, 2022.