Sandra Sue Howton Dawson, 83, of Huntsville Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on May 7, 2023. Sandra was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Dawson; parents, James and Lillian Howton; siblings, Kenneth Howton, Norma Rains, Verna Angell, Robert Howton, Margaret Prehn, James Howton, Kathleen Billingsley, and Michael Howton; and great-grandsons, Wyatt and Henry Moon. Mrs. Dawson is survived by her brothers, Stanley, Gary, and Gerald Howton; daughters, Susan Moon (Joseph) and Kathryn Knickrehm (James); grandchildren, Mark Moon (Melanie), Rick Moon (Jessica), Jessica Hall (Drew), and Dustin Knickrehm (Lauren); and great-grandchildren, Annabelle Moon, Russell Moon, Natalie Moon, Candace Moon, Lily Hall, Colton Hall, and Robert James Knickrehm.
Sandra was born May 22, 1939, in Harrisburg, Illinois to James and Lilian Howton. Sandra was always proud to have come from a large family with seven brothers, four sisters, and dozens of nieces and nephews. Sandra’s sister Norma introduced her to Jerry Owen Dawson who became the love her life. They married on October 10, 1959 and shared a truly beautiful 63 year love story. Family was central in Sandy’s life, and she was happiest spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
A long time Mensa member, Sandra taught math to younger students while she was still in high school. She graduated from Harrisburg High School at 16 years old. Sandra’s Civil Service career included working as a court reporter at the Air Force Academy, a Secretary at the Army Depot in St. Louis, and as Administrative Assistant to the Director of Foreign Military Sales at Redstone Arsenal.
Sandra’s volunteer work underscored her service driven heart and love of children. She happily gave of her time and talents to so many, and her positive impacts live on through the countless lives she touched. Sandra served as PTA President in Burlington, NC, and taught 5th grade Sunday School for many years. She also served as President of the Jaycettes and was a member of the Junior Women’s Club. Sandra was once selected as Woman of the Year for her volunteer work in Burlington. After she moved to Huntsville, she gave of her time rocking babies in the NICU and training and scheduling Red Cross Hospital Volunteers. In her later years, Sandra spent much of her time volunteering at Aldersgate UMC where she helped establish the Speeders group.
Visitation will be from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church with a Celebration of Life service at 9: 00 a.m. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Aldersgate UMC Children’s Ministry.
