Annette Dawson

Annette Dawson, 64, of Anderson, South Carolina, passed away on March 8, 2026. Born on June 7, 1961, in Anderson to the late Nellie Mae Dawson and Jimmy Ray Hank, she graduated from Westside High School in 1980. Annette spent many years working in food service at Clemson University alongside her mother, followed by positions in textiles at JP Stevens, manufacturing at Ryobi, and warehousing at Robert Bosch until her health declined.

Known affectionately as Madea in her family, Annette cherished gatherings where she prepared her signature mac and cheese, shared laughter, and rooted for the Georgia Bulldogs and Buffalo Bills. Her greatest joy came from her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

She is survived by her two sons, James “Big” Dawson (Barbara) and Deran “Double D” Dawson; four grandsons, Benjamin Dawson, James “Lil Big” Dawson Jr., Minjun Dawson, and Isiah Jones; two granddaughters, Demi Dawson and Jasmine Jones; and one brother, Jimmy Ray Hanks Jr. She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings: sisters Linda Faye Turman and Nettie T. Dawson, and brothers Roscoe Dawson, Waddell “Lil Bug” Dawson, and Marshall “Reebok” Dawson.

Annette will be deeply missed by her family, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will carry forward her memory through the stories and love she shared.