03/19/06 - NNHS Newsletter - Estelle McKenzie Dawes

Estelle Grace McKenzie Dawes
(28 Aug 1919 - 17 Mar 2006)

NEWPORT NEWS - Estelle Grace McKenzie Dawes, 86, died at her beloved Mulberry Hill home on March 17th following a courageous battle with congestive heart failure. She was born Aug. 28, 1919, in Dillon, S.C., to the late Henry C. and Maggie E. McKenzie. She attended Bassett Grade School and High School in Rocky Mount, N.C. She was untied in marriage to the late Richard Dawes Sr. in 1937. Their main residences were Rocky Mount and Wilmington, N.C., until moving to Newport News, Va., in 1950. Estelle enjoyed a long Government career at Fort Eustis in Marine Qualification, Directorate of Training and Evaluation in the U.S. Army Transportation School. While at Fort Eustis she received many Letters of Commendation and Outstanding Awards of Commendation. Estelle retired as part of the Transportation School support staff in 1979. Estelle, a dear and gentle lady, born of Scottish ancestry, was as sweet inside as she was outside. She always put her family first and foremost in her life. Though moving from Hampton in 1986, her church membership and heart stayed with East Hampton Baptist Church. Estelle was a prolific Quilt and Afghan producer, many in bright and vibrant colors. She leaves behind her companion, Sergeant Major Leo Simas (retired); a daughter, Ivetta Dawes Stoops of Mathews; a son, Richard Dawes Jr. and wife, Sharron, of Providence Forge; four grandchildren, Richard K. Stoops and his wife, Renée, Theresa Guchard and her husband, Gene, Cheryl Stoops, and Channing Dawes Bryant; and four great-grandchildren, Richard Leigh Stoops, Robert G. Amiss, Tammy L. Stoops and Ricky K. Stoops III. Also surviving is a close sister-in-law, Lessee Mae Joyner, and many nieces and nephews. Estelle was preceded in death by her husband, parents and her four brothers. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Altmeyer Funeral Home – Denbigh Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at Parklawn Memorial Park, Hampton. The Rev. Stephen Hodges of the Providence Forge Presbyterian Church will be officiating. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.altmeyer.com
 
Published in the Daily Press on 3/19/2006.
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   What a beautiful tribute to your mama.  Thank you for taking the time to share them with us, Dicky,  I never met your mother, but the sweetness you described shows in her lovely countenance.  May you find peace and comfort at this time.