Kenneth Dawson Celebration Of Life

"The keys to patience are acceptance and faith. Accept things as they are, and look realistically at the world around you. Have faith in yourself and in the direction you have chosen.” -Ralph Marston.

Kenneth Dawson, the fourth of seven children, was born to Joy Thomas and Earl Dawson on July 25, 1990. Kenneth grew up in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  After high school, Kenneth decided to continue his education at the prestigious Tuskegee University where he became the president of the International Student Association, and was also among an elite group of high-ranking Air Force cadets. Throughout his tenure at TU, many people he crossed paths with became lifelong friends. These include professors, faculty members, Air Force members, co-workers and generally everybody he came in contact with; even strangers walking by on the street, or standing in line at the grocery store. He had a special way with people, a compassionate heart and a natural gift for caring for and protecting others.  He was the most patient, kindest person imaginable, and would do all he could to help others in need; typically answering, without hesitation, every phone call on the first ring. While there he met the love of his life, Clairissa Prince-Davis, and they started to write their own Tuskegee love story. With the passing of Clairissa's mother in 2010, after a hard fought battle with breast cancer, Kenneth was right there to pick Clairissa back up, to be her comforter, her rock and protector, and their love would blossom into something even more beautiful as he helped her heal that wound. He filled a void that no one else could. People search a lifetime to find the love that the two of them shared. On one of the very first cards he exchanged with her he wrote....
"Remember back in the day when we walked around the campus and talked. You told me something that made me say, "I'm gonna do that for her one day." This is that day. The more I knew, the more I wanted to take care of you and give you the world. This isn't the world, but I'm going to start with the small things first. This is just the beginning baby. - Love, Your Champion Lover, Your (not girls dem) sugar, Kenneth, Your True Love "

Kenneth went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He had just begun to put down roots with Clairissa after starting his dream job at Lockheed-Martin /Polaris in Fall River, Massachusetts in October 2016.  The impact he had on the Tuskegee University community can only be summed up by one word "respect".......The respect he showed towards everyone, and the respect everyone had for him.

On June 12th his immediate family, the Tuskegee University family and the world unexpectedly and suddenly lost a dear friend and brother.  He left a hole in the hearts of all those he touched. Kenneth was and always will be a dear friend, son, brother, uncle, and co-worker to us all. We have all learned something of lasting value from him and can only wish to be half the person he was in life. We hope the impact he had on those around him will spark encouragement to help cover travel for family and other costs associated with Kenneth's celebration of life and final expenses back home in the U.S. Virgin Islands. When these types of tragedies hit so unexpectedly, the costs incurred can quickly escalate, so anything and everything helps. We want to make sure his family doesn't have to also worry about the financial burden on top of the heartache. Thank you so much in advance for your help in a time of need.

If anyone has a memory or pictures they would like to share with his family, it would be especially appreciated. Also if there are any questions or concerns, please contact me directly.