Patricia Ann Dawson

1948 - 2020

Given current travel restrictions, the memorial service for Pat Ann Dawson will be exclusively online.


Date: Saturday, April 4, 2020

Time: 2pm Central

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Cistercian Abbey at 3550 Cistercian Rd., Irving, TX 75039; or contact Erin Hart at ehart@cistercian.org; or on the Cistercian webpage cistercian.org/giving

Watch Service

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Pat Ann Dawson Order of Service.pdf

Order of Service

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Obituary

Patricia Ann Dawson was born to Harley and Patricia Reavis on May 5, 1948. Her mother was known as “Pat,” and, therefore, she was known as “Pat Ann.” Pat Ann died on what would have been her mom’s 100th birthday: March 17, 2020, appropriately St. Patrick’s Day.

Pat Ann was diagnosed with a rare and deadly cancer in early 2019 and by July was given only weeks to live. Always thinking of others before herself, she gathered her sons and their families to celebrate Bill’s 70th birthday that same month, then defied expectations by continuing to live a full life. She traveled to the annual Reavis Family gathering in the Texas Hill Country over Thanksgiving, and then to Dallas with Bill in December to celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary with their children and grandchildren.

Pat Ann had recently headed out on yet another trip for a family event when she had a medical emergency shortly after takeoff that required surgery. She passed away at her home from surgical complications, surrounded by her husband and three sons. Yet true to character, even in her last days, she focused on the needs of others before herself, talking with her family and inquiring about their lives even as her own slipped away.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Dawson, their three sons, Will, Drew, and Jeff; their wives, Robin, Lauren, and Lee; and by their five grandchildren, Josephine, Mabry, Mac, Kinsale, and Adare. She is also survived by her seven siblings, Beth, Rob, Susan, Carolyn, Mike, Jeff, and Sally; their spouses, children, and grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Carol; her extended family; and a host of friends who adored her.

If and when we will all be able to get together in person to celebrate Pat Ann is unknown, given the response to the current pandemic. What is certain is that she will be missed by her many friends and those whose lives she touched. She was the sweetest and most selfless person most of us have ever known or will ever know. She asks that you continue to pray for her swift entry into the Kingdom of Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Cistercian Abbey, 3550 Cistercian Rd., Irving, TX 75039; or contact Erin Hart at ehart@cistercian.org; or on the Cistercian webpage www.cistercian.org/giving

Contact Us

Memories & Condolences

Karen Larsen

She was a wonderful woman, loving wife and mother, unfailingly gracious and kind, who was always thinking of others. She was taken from this world way too soon. My deepest condolences to Bill and his entire family.


Susan and Tom Donovan

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of our friend Pat Ann Dawson. Thankfully she is no longer suffering. With God's Love, May she rest in Peace.


Bob & Marilyn Henderson

Bob & I send our heartfelt sympathies at the loss of your Mother/Wife/Grandmother. Pat Ann was a beautiful woman inside and out. We are saddened to hear the news, and certainly will pray for all of the family at this sad time. She will be in God's Kingdom soon, if not already!


Bill Sims

I had the honor of knowing Pat Ann for over 25 years when Bill and his team joined Vinson & Elkins. She was a remarkable woman and the first person you would look forward to engaging at a gathering. I will miss her sense of humor and love of all aspects of life. She leaves behind one of the country’s best trial lawyers and a wonderful family.


Donovan Campbell, Jr.

How sad the entire Campbell Family is to hear of Pat Ann’s passing. We have nothing but fond memories of her whole family. Bill’s eulogy at Coach Hillary’s Memorial Service was one of the best I ever heard, interspersed with several references to our star football rusher’s recent 300-yard game! Our 5 sons overlapped Will, Drew, and Jeff, and we recall many shared football games and practices together, as well as car pools to their home near Ursuline. Pat Ann was always a delight to be around, and her contributions to the CPS community boundless. We miss her and the entire family, but God is great and will comfort all. We hope to virtually attend the service April 4. Love to all.


Marsha Dawson Jackson

Dear Bill and Family, My love and heartfelt sympathy are with you during these difficult days. Pat Ann was such a blessing to our Dawson family with her quiet strength, beautiful smile, sweet disposition and compassion for others. We will miss her dearly. May you find comfort now and in the coming days through precious memories and prayers from so many who love and care for each of you. Thank you for sharing her service online. It will be a healing comfort for us also.


Margarita and David Coale

We are very sorry for your loss. I still remember Pat Ann as being one of the most gracious and beautiful ladies ever. Her loss will be felt. Much love and prayers to your family.


Nancy Shelton

Dear Dawson Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I was so surprised to read of Pat Ann's death in the newspaper. She was one of a kind - always gracious, positive, thoughtful, fun, and delightful. We worked on many projects at Cistercian. She was loved by all. Wish we could gather in person to honor her. May she rest in eternal peace. God bless, Nancy Shelton


Cayden Campoy

Pat Ann was my favorite neighbor. I wish she was still here. I am sad I won’t see her on the deck next to me anymore. I am glad I’ll be able to see Bill on the deck next to me.


Leigh Logan

How we all wish we could be there with you, Bill. I'll be praying for you, Pat Ann, and your family.


Clint Dawson

Dear Bill and Family, I am sorry to hear about Pat Ann. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.


Rod Phelan

Good marriages require good people. This one was extra good, from which it follows... Cathy and I are really sorry.


Jeremy Gregg

Few loved as open-heartedly as Mrs. Dawson, who accepted all of us Cistercian bits (despite the efforts of those of us who worked hard to corrupt her incorruptible kids). She selflessly gave of her home and her heart, and she gave us the most precious of all gifts: an awareness that we were loved... and a sense of responsibility to share that love with others.

Though her body’s time on this earth is at its end, her work remains and her spirits continues to nourish and guide us.

May her family find comfort in the undimmed light of her legacy.


Rebecca (Becca) and John Cavner

John and I offer our deepest sympathy to you, Bill, to your boys, and to your whole family. Pat Ann was beautiful, gracious, welcoming, kind and funny. What a wonderful life companion for you, Bill, and what an exceptional, loving mother for your boys.


Noel and Jane Reed

A truly beautiful service watched from our cottage in Sussex, England. Very moving and a fitting tribute to Pat Ann.


Rob Walters

Pat Ann Dawson is perhaps the most gracious and kind person I've ever known. She personified the very best of us. Her legacy of Bill, her sons, and her broader family make us all better. Bill, thank you for you magnificent and fitting tribute.


Laurelyn Wallace Carlisle

Pat Ann, swiftly enter the Lord’s eternal kingdom in the refuge of HIS mighty arms. AMEN


John and Marilyn Roppolo

Such a beautiful ceremony for such a beautiful lady! The world is a better place for having Pat Ann in it. It was always such a joy seeing her at Cistercian events. She, like so many of us, love the Cistercians and what they have done for our boys. Bill, your eulogy was so beautifully stated. May God be with you, the boys, their families and her many friends


Will and Lucy Murchison

Dawson family, our thoughts and prayers are with you as we celebrate and remember Pat Ann. She was a blessing to the Murchison family. We are thankful for her support and friendship through the years. Specifically, we think fondly of the time we spent with Bill, Pat Ann, and Mabry in the Bahamas and of our shared Christmas lunches. Bill perfectly described how she made us feel. We will continue to pray for Pat Ann and for your family. God Bless.


Judi Popkin

Dear Dawson men, What a loving celebration of your wife and mother. I wept through most of the service and laughed during your eulogy, Bill. I know “The eye”... #noburnedretinas Please know my prayers are with each of you and all of her family as you navigate these next days and months without your beloved Pat Ann. I also want to thank you for sharing her with me, my sons and my family. Her most treasured legacy lies in each of you. May the Lord bless you, giving you the warmth of His comforting embrace, and the unsurpassing power of His peace. The photos at the end brought tears and blessed comfort in those precious memories!


Carolyn and Rob Walters

Pat Ann was the epitome of grace and elegance. She was fun and funny, gorgeous, kind and thoughtful. I sought her out at firm functions because I knew that spending time with Pat Ann would make every event more enjoyable. She was so proud of her sons, their wives and her fabulous grandchildren. We send our heartfelt condolences to Bill, the three Dawson brothers and their families. Pat Ann touched the lives of all around her and will be greatly missed.


Richard and Anita Davis

Bill and family, Our continued heartfelt prayers are with you, and your family. It was a beautiful memorial tribute for Pat Ann.


Sandra Dawson Martin

Dear Bill, I am so grateful I was able to watch the memorial celebrating Pat Ann's life. Her love and devotion to so many truly honored our Lord. I look so forward to meeting her in Heaven one day. I was so proud of you as you gave the eulogy. Your love for her and her love for you and your family you expressed so beautifully,

May God comfort and sustain you as you continue to live in the beautiful light of Pat Ann's life.

Your Dawson family loves you and is praying for you.


Dick Sayles

Bill, there are no words, Wish I could offer some comfort but I know this is your most difficult passage in life. Love to you and your sons and their families.


The Whittington Family

Bill and family - prayers are with the entire Dawson family and Pat Ann. She meant so much to so many people. She and “Senor” Dawson are remembered fondly by the boys from their Cistercian days. What a great family you and she raised together. May she Rest In Peace.