Janie McGuire Dawson, 92, passed away February 8, 2023. She was born January 31, 1931, in Prescott, Arkansas to Abner Echols McGuire, Jr. and Norvell Montgomery McGuire. She was the youngest of seven children.
Janie graduated from Harding College in Searcy, Arkansas in 1953 with a degree in home economics. On August 1, 1954, she married her love, H. Herbert Dawson, Jr. (Herb). To this union were born three children: David, Amy and Alan.
The Dawsons lived in Little Rock and Fort Smith, Arkansas before moving to Corpus Christi, Texas in 1975. Janie was a dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker, delighting in taking care of her family. Herb and Janie celebrated 40 years of marriage before Herb’s passing in 1995.
Janie moved to Springfield, Missouri in August 2000. She was a member of Sunset Church of Christ and was very thankful for her church family.
Anyone who knew Janie knew she adored her children and grandchildren. She did not believe in spoiling her children but had no problem with spoiling the grandkids. They lovingly referred to her as “MaMa.”
Friends and family know that her sweet doggie, Allie Mae, was a loyal companion to Janie for many years. Janie always had a soft spot for dogs and often babysat the granddoggie.
Janie was proud of her Arkansas heritage and was a lifelong Razorback fan. Simple pleasures were coffee, Dr. Pepper, and chocolate. Even when her health was declining, Janie kept up a good diet of chocolate candy.
Janie was preceded in death by her son David and husband Herb. She is survived by son Alan Dawson (wife Karen) of Sugar Land, Texas, daughter Amy Viguet (husband Mark) of Springfield, grandchildren Ben Dawson (wife Brenna), Sam Dawson (wife Courtney), Sydney Dawson, Drew Viguet, Hiliary Viguet, great- grandchildren Luke, Lily, Ava, Ryder and Penelope, and cousins, nieces and nephews.
Her nieces lovingly referred to her as “AJ” for Aunt Janie.
Janie’s family would like to thank the staff of The Maples Health & Rehabilitation for their compassionate care in the three-plus years she lived there.
Visitation will be at Greenlawn South in Springfield, Missouri at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 11. A funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. Burial will be Monday, February 13, 10 a.m. in Prescott, Arkansas at DeAnn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.