Carla Jo Ann Dawson

On July 11, 2018, cherished wife, beloved mother and adored sister, Carla Jo Ann Dawson of Niceville, succumbed to her battle with cancer at the age of 54, just 14 days shy of her next birthday. 

  Her sudden passing has broken the hearts of all who knew her and especially devastated her devoted husband, Gary Dawson; daughters, Shawna Bauer and Summer Dawson; sons, John Bauer and Cody Dawson; her precious grandson, Carson Forehand, as well as brothers, sisters and countless friends and extended family.

  Born in Sacramento, California on July 25, 1963, Carla moved several times during her youth and into adulthood before settling down in Northwest Florida in 1986.  As a woman who found a passion in so many things, one of her greatest were the Girl Scouts, whom she has worked as a leader and volunteer, specifically with the Northwest Florida Girl Scout Council, for over 30 years.  Second to that, her Belly dancing group, the Kasba Dancers of Northwest Florida, with whom she had been dancing with and teaching for over 20 years.               

  She was a woman of many talents and capabilities.  Her love and compassion for others was endless and immeasurable.  She found joy in giving and did so as much and as often as possible.  From giving something as simple as her time to listen to a loved one’s woes, to coordinating fundraising events to raise money for numerous charities, local and nationwide.  There was never a problem too big or too small for Carla to conquer and her enthusiasm for life was impossible to ignore.   

  Carla was a beautiful, irreplaceable soul and will always be loved and missed by all those who had the honor of knowing her in this life.  A special thanks to the staff at Sacred Heart Hospital, Dr. Wu, Dr. Roberts, Hospice home care, as well as family and friends who showed her the same love and compassion at the end of her precious life that she showed throughout her own. 

  To honor Carla's memory, a celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 12:00pm at the Crosspoint United Methodist Church at 214 Partin Dr S, Niceville, FL 32578. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Carla's name to any of the following: the American Cancer Society, the Conquer Cancer Foundation, or The Northwest Florida Girl Scouts Camp Kolomoki Fund.

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