Mattie Marie Dawson

Mattie Marie Dawson On January 2, 2018, surrounded by her loving family, Mattie Marie Dawson left her earthly cares behind. She was the oldest child of Nelse and Edwina Nelson. She was born February 24, 1924 in Clarksville TX where she received her formal education. On April 12, 1943, she married Claude Dawson, Jr. who preceded her in death, March 18, 2015. To this union nine children were born: Opal (John) Bacon of Toledo OH; Barbara Johnson of Albuquerque NM; Claude Dawson III (deceased); Glenn Dawson of Irvington NJ; Gerald (Melissa) Dawson of Amarillo TX; Loretta McCullough and Donna Dawson of Amarillo TX; Lillie (Cornel) Foster of Corona CA; Lisa (Venus) Reese of Frisco TX. She and Claude moved to Amarillo in 1951 where the youngest five children were born. She was a founding member of Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church under Rev. P.J. Jones. Marie, as most family and friends called her, never met a stranger. She was known for her hospitality and "mouth-watering" meals. She knew everybodys favorite dish and made sure it was waiting for them when they came for visits. She was up early and had breakfast cooked for you. Do they make them like that anymore Fishing was her passion. To her dismay, there was not a good fishing "hole" in or near Amarillo. Happily she was able to go fishing this past June and was the only one able to catch a fish. She loved flowers, long dangling earrings, "bling," reading the newspaper and her Bible. Marie was always singing whether cooking, cleaning, or rocking a baby. She loved music, any kind of music. Sam Cooke was her favorite. Marie possessed a quick, dry wit that left you rolling and speechless. Claude was often the focus of her remarks. The kids never knew what she was going to say to put them in check. Family was important to her. She often travelled to attend to ailing family members. She doted on her children and grandchildren, especially the grandchildren. She showered them with love, care, and protection from upset mamas. They could do no wrong in her sight. She remembered special occasions and sent cards. She enjoyed sewing for her babies. She was preceded in death by her husband Claude, her parents, and five siblings: Charlene Smith, Nelse Nelson, Jr., Lewis Nelson, Gladys Smith, and Fred Nelson. She is survived by her children (Opal, Barbara, Glenn, Gerald, Loretta, Donna, Lillie and Lisa); 4 sisters (Josephine Majors of Levelland TX, Ester Ricks of Clarksville TX, and Emma Jones and Theola Mathis of Amarillo TX; 2 sisters-in-law (Elizabeth Jackson of Albuquerque NM and Ruby Dawson of Oakland CA); 13 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren; special friend Willie Esther Atkins; and a host of relatives and friends. A private memorial service for family and close personal friends will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018.