Gloria V. Dawson, age 72, went home to be with the Lord on December 4, 2023, at Akron Summa Hospital Hospice Center after a long battle with Cancer. Gloria was born in Akron, OH on August 26^th, 1951, to George D. and Lily Mae (Woodson) Gilmore-both deceased. Gloria accepted Christ at an early age. She was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday School Teacher in “Busy Bee” and the Church Secretary for many years. She was also on the church softball team. Gloria attended Akron Public Schools and was a proud graduate from Buchtel High School, class of 1969. She attended the University of Akron for two years where she studied Business Administration.

Gloria was an avid sports fan, rooting for all Cleveland Sports teams, especially the Cleveland Cavaliers. Gloria was a cheerful person, always laughing, making jokes, and never complained even in her illness. She was a fun lover and enjoyed being active with her children and grandchildren, playing badminton, ping-pong, shooting pool, bowling, and skating. While employed, she participated yearly in the Corporate Challenge playing basketball and the 5k walk. She often enjoyed going out discovering restaurants with her husband and family, going to the movies, and taking family vacations. Gloria also enjoyed gardening as she inherited her green thumb from her mother and grandmother. Anyone who knows her, also knows she loved to party and dance, learning the latest dance moves.

Gloria retired from Lockheed Martin in 2006 after 30 years of service. After retirement, her and her husband Clarence volunteered at the Akron Civic Theatre. She also loved working part-time at the Board of Elections during election time. She was always knowledgeable about politics and often found ways to be involved. In her later years, Gloria relished at spending time with her grandchildren and being a part of every activity, they took part in. She absolutely loved being a grandparent, and it showed. She even found a way to spend time with them during her illness, taking them to various events at Stewart’s Caring Place-Cancer Wellness Center.

Gloria married Clarence on July 16, 1977, and remained married for 41 years until Clarence passed away in 2018. She is preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Dawson; parents George Sr. and Lily Gilmore; brothers Stanley and George Gilmore Jr.; mother and father-in-law- Cornelius and Mattie Dawson; brothers in-law Benjamin Dawson, Josh Moss, David Clark Sr. and sisters in-law Gloria (Curtis Williams) and Gladine Dawson.

Gloria leaves to cherish her memories children, Deshawna Dawson, Clarence Dawson Jr., and Deitra Dawson-Taylor all of Akron, OH; grandchildren Daijah (Behlin) Taylor, A’maya Dawson, Jaylen Dawson, and Jaidah Taylor; brother Wesley (Estella) Gilmore of Los Angeles, CA; sisters in-law LaRonda Eliopulos of Cincinnati; OH, Betty Gilmore of Philadelphia, PA; Joyce Clark and Betty Moss of Akron, OH; Ayhelia (Jackie) Dawson of Pheonix, AZ; brothers in-law Lenwood (Diane) Dawson; James Dawson of Akron, OH; son in-law Vernon Taylor Jr. of Akron, OH; daughter in-law Dana Dawson of Akron, OH; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Service will be held on Friday, December 15^th, 2023, at 12pm. at Macedonia Baptist Church, 940 McKinley Ave. Akron, OH 44306, Pastor Lorenzo Glenn, officiant. Friends may visit the church from 11 am. until the time of service. The procession will form, and condolences may be sent to 754 Diagonal Rd. Akron, OH 44320. Burial will be held December 18, 2023, at 12:15 pm at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.