Obituary of Fay Dawson

Very quietly and peacefully on Sunday November 12, 2023, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom, mercy, and grace gently closed the eyes of our beloved Fay Dawson and she enter into her eternal rest. Fay was born September 20, 1958 to the late Facy Lee Dawson and Geneva Bryson. Her formal education was through the Philadelphia Public School system, and she attended the Community College of Philadelphia for Behavioral Science. She was employed by Septa for many years then ABM Industries. In 2005 tragedy occurred, her youngest son Vincent was murdered due to gun violence in the streets of Philadelphia. She took a pledge to stand up and fight against the gun violence that was rising in the city. She started the Vincent Woodson Foundation in 2005. She formed a committee of family and friends to help take on the task of supporting such a great work. She and her team worked diligently in the communities of the city hosting support groups for the bereaved families, candlelight vigils, bookbag give aways, peace marches and restoring the neighborhood park on Wakefield and Bringhurst street. She annually attended the Martin Luther King Day of service where she educated the youth on gun violence and had them take a pledge against gun violence which they would receive a certificate of completion. In 2011 she made a run for Philadelphia Eighth District city council. In 2012 she was invited to speak at the State Capitol in Harrisburg on the gun laws. Later in 2013 she was invited to the White House to be a part of the Senate legislative sessions to address the gun violence on a national level. While there she attended a meeting with Former First Lady Michelle Obama where she was able to share with her the story of her son. She has 37 years of sobriety following the 12 Step program during those years gaining a second family being a friend, resource, and mentor to many. Fay never stayed still, she was always busy and moving. She made several appearances on the local news stations everyone knew Ms. Fay. She was kind, loving, fun, giving and always willing to help anyone. There are many other accomplishments she achieved in her lifetime. Fay was a true activist, leader, and trailblazer. Her strength, courage and voice added with the love for her family and friends will never be forgotten she will always be our brave fierce strong warrior. As she joins her son Vincent in eternal rest. She leaves to carry on her legacy her daughter Tasha son Khalil (Kia) 11 grandchildren Munir, Leah, Nyree, Tashana, Kaleem, India, Khaliah, Khalil, Bryce, Barron and Brandon one great grandson A’sah her sisters Alberta, Sheila, Judy and Darlene, along with a host of uncles, aunts, cousins nieces, nephews and good friends.