Marjorie Edith Dawson Beck's Obituary
Marjorie Edith Dawson Beck was 92 years old and passed away on May 4, 2025, surrounded by family at her home in Newberry, Florida. She was called “Edith” (her middle name) since there had been an Edith in the Dawson family as early as1835. Edith was predeceased by her husband Bernard Ray Beck, Jr., parents John William Dawson, Sr., and Nellie Mae Lassiter, and her brothers John William Dawson, Jr., and Robert Lester Dawson.
Edith was born on December 21, 1932, in Avon Park, Florida. Her family moved to Miami, Florida when she was four years old. She graduated from Miami Jackson High School where she met Bernard Ray Beck, Jr., who became her loving husband for almost 74 years.
While her children (Diane Elizabeth Beck and Gary Bernard Beck) were young, Edith worked part-time for J.W. Dawson & Sons, which was owned by her father. Edith obtained a CPS (Certified Professional Secretary) credential and later received an Associate in Arts Degree from Miami-Dade College. Once her children were in high school, she began working full time. Over the years her career included positions with Tasco Inc., John Donnelly & Sons, Inc., and Southeast Banking Corporation in Miami. Edith developed a love of writing in high school, and she particularly enjoyed her position as a technical writer at Southeast Bank where she wrote procedures for the computer systems that were used across departments.
In initial years of retirement, Edith became more active in the Hialeah First Baptist Church and found the choir and working with the Senior Citizens truly rewarding. She also enjoyed making ceramic roses and her work is now treasured by her family. In 1992, Edith and Bernard moved to Birmingham, Alabama and built a home in Brook Highland next door to their daughter. In Birmingham, they were longtime members of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. The Frank Donaldson Sunday School Class was incredibly special to Edith and Bernard. Edith also loved quilting and was active in the Birmingham Quilters Guild. During these years, Edith and Bernard also traveled in their motorhome. They were members of the Sta-Goners Camping Club and enjoyed the fellowship with this group. They particularly enjoyed a trip on their own to the Artic Circle in Alaska.
In 2010, Edith and Bernard moved to Newberry to a home near their daughter. The move also allowed them to be closer to other family members which they cherished.
Edith spent over 40 years doing Genealogical Research. Her brother, Robert Lester Dawson initially sparked her interest in genealogy, and Edith cherished the hours with Robert sharing their findings. She attended the annual Institute for Genealogical and Historical Research for many years which was held at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Across these years, Edith devoted many hours writing a book entitled, “History of the Dawson and Beck Families.” Completing this book was her lifetime goal. Her love and talent for writing is evident in the 32 short stories describing family members as early as the 1700s. Authoring this book gave Edith a goal to live and she was making revisions for a 2nd edition of the book even in her final weeks of life.
Edith is survived by Dr. Diane E. Beck (daughter), Gary Bernard Beck (son), Teresa Behr Beck (daughter-in-law), Matthew Thomas Beck (grandson) and her Dawson nieces and nephews.
The family gives special thanks to the physicians at UF health who provided excellent care over the years and the team from Haven Hospice who provided loving caregiving in her home during the final 9 months of her life.
The family will gather for a graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery in Gainesville, Florida on May 9th where she will be buried next to her husband. Arrangements are coordinated by Williams-Thomas Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to Dawson Memorial Baptist Church at 1114 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, Alabama 32609.
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