Dawn Sharon Lewis Felts

(27 June 1941 –– 26 January 2019)

"Jesus told her, 'I am the resurrection and the life.

Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying'" (John 11:25, CEV).

Dawn Sharon Lewis Felts, age 77, of San Saba, Texas, passed from this life cradled in the arms of her husband on Saturday, January 26, 2019 –– two days after their 60 ^th wedding anniversary.  We will always remember her as a beacon of Christian faith with a smile in her heart and a twinkle in her eye.

History

The vibrant, sunny Dawn Sharon was the eldest of three children born to Russell Austin and Esther (nee Deveny) Lewis on June 27, 1941, in Austin, Texas.  Her Daddy was an effervescent Navy Band veteran, band director and school principal; her mother was a mysterious, witty actress, storyteller and musician.  Dawn graduated from San Saba High School in 1959 where she served as: Band President and an avid drummer; the Pecan Queen's Maid-of-Honor; the "Teen Topic" student reporter for the local newspaper; the elected FHA Song Leader; the Junior Class FFA Sweetheart contestant; a singer with several groups including The Four Jills, The Teens and The Daydreamers ; as well as a guest performer with 5 Sharps and a Flat .  At the age of 17, Dawn married her high school sweetheart, John Cayce Felts, on January 24, 1959, and they made their first home in Abilene, Texas where they attended ACU together.  She received a Bachelor of Elementary Education from Abilene Christian University (ACU) in 1965, followed by a Master of Education and multiple certifications in Special Education from Tarleton State University.

Career

Dawn's passion for teaching spanned a 37-year career.  She taught in the Texas public school system in Lampasas, Brownwood, Fort Bend, Fredericksburg, and Abilene.  Her tenacious spirit of entrepreneurship was revealed when she founded The Gingerbread House private kindergarten and preschool program in Fredericksburg.  She also served 18 years at San Saba ISD from 1984 until she retired in 2002.  She treasured the friendships and ongoing socialization with colleagues.  Dawn instilled a love of learning, exploration, and investigation into her children, students, and the next generations.

Survivors

Dawn is survived by: her cherished husband, John Cayce Felts; her two children, daughter Julie Dawn (and Darroll) Wright of Smithville, TX and son John Michael "Mike" Felts of San Saba, TX; four grandchildren,  Jessica Dawn who resided with Dawn for many years (and William "Trey") Lovett, III of Salado, TX, Danielle (and Luke) Watson of Thorney, England, Durc Wright of Thorney, England, Jason (and Natalie) Wright of Linz, Austria; four great-grandchildren William Houston Lovett, IV, Aurora Joy Lovett, Noah Joel Wright, and Jesse Nichole Wright; as well as numerous extended family; school and Bible class students; friends; and many whose lives she touched through the years.

Predecessors

Dawn was preceded in death by her parents, well as both of her younger siblings.  During the past nine months while battling her own illness, Dawn suffered the losses of her sister, Joan Carol Lewis, and brother David Russell Lewis.

Planned Events

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at the Second and Wallace Street Church of Christ, 201 W. Wallace St., San Saba, TX 7687.  Ismael Berlanga will officiate the ceremony.  The family will receive friends at a Visitation in the church fellowship hall before the service from 1:00-1:45 p.m.

More Information

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly or online at www.gofundme.com/a-memorial-tribute-for-dawn-sharon-felts to assist with final expenses.  Condolences and anecdotes for the family may be offered online at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com/guestbook/dawn-felts where more information may be found.