Emma Kathryn Dawson

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord
Emma Kathryn Dawson passed away at her home taking her last breaths as she laid holding hands with her husband of 52 years, Arthur Dawson. Then, joyfully, she left behind her wheel chair and her sick bed, stood up, cleared her voice, and Emma entered Heaven’s gates singing and clapping!
She expressed joy in life, too, as laughter with her family and friends and as sensitivity and care for the meek. Children especially touched Emma’s heart, and those with special needs completely stole her heart. Hers was a genuine passion that grew naturally from the love of her youngest daughter, also a special needs child. Emma devoted her professional life to teaching children, first in the county Head Start Program and later in the Cincinnati Public Schools.
Serve the Lord with gladness
When doubt overshadowed joy, a favorite sentiment of hers was, “I don’t feel noways tired”, a loving, endearing nod to her mother. Emma confessed Jesus Christ before age 12, and she loved a good church service! Her parents, Priscilla and Isaac Thomas Beasley raised her and her 14 brothers and sisters in the Pentecostal Church (Church of God of America) in Lancaster, KY. She later attended Catholic mass while living with her aunt and uncle during her teenage years in Cincinnati, OH, and Methodist services during her marriage.
However, missing the spirit of renewal and expressions of the Holy Spirit that she recalled from early childhood, Emma joined Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church in Wood- lawn, OH in 2009 where she was a member until her passing.
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture
Her parents, nine brothers, two sisters, and her youngest daughter, Toni predeceased Emma. In addition to her loving husband, she leaves to cherish her memory: a daughter, Kimberly of Frederick, MD; a sister, Anna Margaret McAdoo; a brother, Samuel Beasley (Elizabeth), all of Danville, KY; a brother, William Beasley (Evette) of Shelbyville, KY; in-laws, Rev. B.W. Dawson, deceased (Mildred) of Selma, AL, Daniel and Anna Smiley of Cincinnati, OH. She also leaves several nieces, nephews, other loving family and friends.