Rowena Johnson Dawson, 102, of Georgetown, SC, passed away on September 2, 2024, at Prince George Healthcare. Rowena lived a life rich with love, wisdom, and resilience. Born on July 30, 1922, in Saluda, SC, she was the daughter of Scott Holmes Johnson and Lucille Elizabeth Kirby Johnson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Conrad Dawson, Sr., and five brothers: Rauton, Haskell, Bascom, Malcolm, and Scott Johnson, Jr.

Rowena graduated from Lander University with a bachelor's degree in education, where she was listed in "Who's Who in American Colleges." She devoted her career to teaching, first in Allendale and later in Georgetown. Although she retired from traditional teaching, she never stopped embracing the role as an educator throughout her life as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. As a child of the Great Depression, Rowena understood that life was full of seasons and often shared her practical wisdom with her family, reminding them that "Rome wasn't built in a day."

A charter member of Screven Baptist Church in Georgetown, Rowena was also deeply involved in her community as a Sunday School teacher and as a leader in the Brownie and Girl Scout programs. Her love of gardening shone through as she served as President of both the Maryville and Georgetown Garden Clubs, and her passion for camellias was evident in the many shows where she proudly displayed her blooms.

Rowena's greatest joy came from spending time with friends and family, and she was especially proud to have met and held all seven of her great-grandchildren. She loved hosting family gatherings at Litchfield Beach, where Easter weekends were always busy and full of laughter. She was known for her southern cooking, warm embrace, and love of card games, particularly Bridge—a game where she outplayed and outlasted more than a few of her fellow players.

Her friends and family will always remember her keen intellect, love of reading, and passion for the outdoors. Rowena leaves behind a legacy of resilience, love, and countless cherished memories.

Rowena is survived by her three children: Calvin C. Dawson, Jr. (Jennifer), Clary S. Dawson (Doris), and Holly Dawson; five grandchildren: Calvin C. Dawson, III, Hunter Dawson (Kirsten); Andrew Dawson (Stella), Brandon Dawson (Jessica), Megan Dawson (Andy Zehr); and seven great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at Georgetown Presbyterian Church on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Joel Long officiating. Burial will follow at Pennyroyal Memorial Gardens, and the family will receive visitors two hours prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Georgetown Presbyterian Church, Columbarium Fund. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.mayerfuneralhome.com.