Onita Witcher Dawson

     Onita Witcher Dawson, formerly of Richmond, Virginia passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024 surrounded by her family at the Dixon House for Assisted Living in Easton, Maryland. Born on September 3, 1923 in Danville, Virginia she was the daughter of the late James Kemper Witcher and Lelia Cook Witcher. She attended Averett College in Danville, Virginia but soon left there to begin working for the Ration Board during World War II. On May 13, 1950 she married her husband Thomas Alva Dawson where they lived in Reidsville, North Carolina before moving to Richmond, Virginia. He died on February 14, 1969.

     Onita had a zest for life, family, and friends. She was an avid bridge player and was known throughout the Richmond area for playing not only regular bridge but also duplicate bridge and belonged to several clubs. Her other interests included spending weekends on the Rappahannock River with a close friend. She also enjoyed working the polls when election time rolled around and even hosted a Goldwater party in 1964. She was a member of Cavalry Baptist Church in Richmond.

     She was a member of the Bon Air Women’s Club and enjoyed planning many bus trips. Dancing was her passion especially doing the Jitter Bug. Her work experience included working for the Federal government for thirty years.

     Other passions included southern cooking which she shared with her neighbors. She even received a cooking award for her southern cooking from one of her northern neighbors. She enjoyed being a part of horseraces especially the Camptown Races held every year near Richmond. She enjoyed cheering for the Yankees and also the Washington Redskins.

     Her greatest love was being a devoted homemaker and mother to her two daughters. She was always involved in their activities from being a Girl Scout cookie chairman to making Halloween costumes. One of her great memories was being part of a PTA school play with other parents. She led by example with compassion being at the forefront of her life.

     When asked about her longevity and living to 101, she would laugh and say that she grew up on goats’ milk due to her mothers’ concern for her health. Of course, being a sun worshiper all of her life and also her competitive spirit were other things that she enjoyed.

     Onita is survived by her two daughters, Jane Dawson Cawley of Denton, Maryland and Frances Leigh Dawson of Joseph, Oregon. She also is survived by five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

     The family wishes to thank the Dixon House staff for their endless compassion in taking care of “MeeMaw” as she was affectionally known.

     A graveside service will be held at the Denton Cemetery at 2 PM on Thursday, October 17th. 

     In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that friends send memorial donations to The Dixon House, 108 North Higgins Street, Easton, MD 21601 or donate through The Dixon House website, dixonhouse.org.   

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