Gladys Ford Dawson, 84, of Dinwiddie, VA passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, at her home with her family by her side. 

Born in Greensville, Virginia, on April 18, 1941, she had a career as an Administrator overseeing several assisted living facilities. Her caring nature then led her to work for Dinwiddie County Public Schools in several positions to include substitute teacher. Throughout this time, she also owned and operated a small country store in Dinwiddie County for a few years with her husband, where everyone was welcomed with open doors and open arms.

Gladys had the most caring soul of anyone. She loved to make others happy and would do anything to make that happen. She could never sit still and always had to be going somewhere or doing something. She cherished all of her family and was unafraid to express just how much she loved them to anyone that would listen. She was passionate about everything she did and sought the very best for everyone regardless of cost. She will always be remembered as the caregiver, the one who opened her doors and arms to anyone that needed it. She is loved and will be greatly missed.

Gladys was preceded in death by her father John Ford and mother Emma Grammer; sisters, Mildred Hawkins, Louise Brooks, Shirley Millis, brothers Edward and Hudson Ford, sons Harry and John Andrews and David Rathbone; a daughter, Edith Jones (Dawson). 

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Gordon Dawson (Ray); son Joe Dawson, daughter, Regena Goodman (Dawson); Brothers, John Ford and Gerald Grammer; 9 grandchildren, over 20 great grandchildren, and countless nieces and nephews.

A public viewing will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at J.L. Dodson Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia.

The Celebration of Life service will be at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at J.L. Dodson Funeral Establishment 25824 Greensville Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia.  Pastor Steve Gardner, In His Footsteps Christian Center, North Dinwiddie, Virginia, Officiant, Eulogist. Interment will follow in the SouthLawn Park & Mausoleum 191 birdsong Road Petersburg, VA

The family is asked to assemble at 11:45 a.m. at J.L. Dodson Funeral Establishment on the day of service.

Professional funeral services have been entrusted to the staff of the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Ave. Petersburg, Virginia. Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., and Ricky Montgomery, Funeral Director.,  (804) 732-5959 and (804)834-3330. Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com. “Our Family Servicing Your Family”