Joyce Dawson

SIOUX CITY | Joyce Dawson, 85, of Sioux City died Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, at a Sioux City hospital.
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Grace United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Tim Bonney officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.
Joyce was born June 26, 1927, the daughter of Edward and Sarah (Kenyon) Swanson. She was the older sister of Gary Swanson, her brother whom she adored. Joyce moved to Sioux City after graduation at age 16. She always excelled in school, taking extra tests for fun. Joyce had a love of learning all her life.
While in Sioux City taking course work, she met Harlan "Bud" Dawson, whom she married at age 20. Bud always made her laugh. They were a good team with a marriage that lasted less than a month short of 65 years.
They had a son, Craig, who was the apple of her eye. Twelve years later, they added a daughter, Barb, who completed the family. Over the years they had the joy of celebrating many wonderful family events, including marriages, grandchildren, great friendships and holidays. Joyce would always bring a hot dish when someone needed it, and invited people to come over who had nowhere else to go. She cared for stray cats. She worked tirelessly, loving challenges, and especially her more than three decades at Morningside College. Joyce seldom received the credit of her contributions, but was always happy to give more.
She enjoyed her family, friends, church and community. Joyce lived a good life of service, caring for others as a good listener and a very wise counselor. She will be profoundly missed by the many whom she touched.
Survivors include five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.