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Mildred “Milli” Dawson, 83, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, transitioned into eternal rest on Monday, February 15, 2021. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids is assisting the family. Milli was born on August 28, 1937, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the daughter of Glenwood and Ailleen Tolson. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School and went on to attend Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. Milli was united in marriage to Henry Leo Dawson on July 30, 1955 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. She was the Director of the Commission of Veterans Affairs in Linn County for over 33 years until her retirement and she was passionate about her work with veterans both locally and statewide. She was also a former President of Quota Club International in Cedar Rapids. Milli was an active member of Victorious Life Church. She was a classically trained pianist, playing for numerous church choirs, soloists, including her husband, and her children’s singing group. Milli was an avid sports fan and enjoyed “coaching” from the stands and at the TV. She loved to cook and bake her famous chocolate chip cookies. Milli loved her family dearly and her love spread to her extended family and friends who called her “Grandma Milli.” She was loved by many and will be missed by all who were blessed to know her. Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Henry Leo Dawson of Marion, Iowa; children, Charlesetta Dawson of Browns Summit, North Carolina, Kevin Dawson of Cedar Rapids, Luana (Fredrick) Steele of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, and Lisa (Keith) Elzia of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; sisters, Carolyn Rumph and Jaqui Tolson; brother, Jerry (Karen) Tolson; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two nieces; one grand-niece; and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenwood and Ailleen Tolson; and her son, Jeffery Lyn Dawson. Special thanks to the amazing staff at the Meadowview Memory Care Village for their loving care of Milli and their support for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family c/o Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 520 Wilson Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404.

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Mildred 'Milli' Dawson

August 28, 1937 - February 15, 2021

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