Melvin S. Dawson

Melvin Sylvester Dawson was born on May 17, 1949 and “slipped away” to be at rest with his God on Monday, February 1, 2016. He was the son of the late Nancy Dawson and late Rufus Smith. He matriculated in the Caroline County School System mostly working in the food service warehouse industry, where he worked off and on throughout the years. Melvin lived happily on the Eastern Shore during his years where he had five children. He moved to Baltimore a few years ago with his wife, Joann where he became affectionately known as the “Birdman” by his new neighbors and friends. If he wasn’t feeding the birds, he was on his way or coming back from doing so. Melvin was known for his kindness and he always had a wave and smile for all who passed him by. He also had a passion for food, his love to eat good food was known by all who knew him. If you were able to talk to Melvin for more than a few minutes, the conversation would definitely include words like: “What you ate good lately?”, “I gotta taste for”, or “What you got cookin?” Another thing he loved more than anything else was talking about the Lord, whom he could be found speaking on for hours upon end. Melvin had several church homes throughout the years, including Greater New Hope. Melvin leaves to mourn his wife, Joann Hoxter Dawson; one son, Dontrell Smith of Palmetto, FL; four daughters, Tess Greene of Palmetto, FL, Buffy Smith-Brandon of Palmetto, FL, Shervon (aka Trina) Bailey of Bradenton, FL and Rasheeda McPhaul of Baltimore, MD. Also left to celebrate his life are sister, Marie Smith of Easton, MD; brother, Franklin Smith of Seaford, DE; son-in-law, Tony Brandon of Bradenton, FL; mother-in-law, Callie Hoxter of Ridgely, MD; 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; as well as a host of other family and friends that will celebrate his life. Melvin joined his daughter, Althea (aka Jumbo) Smith; sister, Ida Mae Hoxter and brothers, James Smith, Mervin Smith and Linwood Dawson. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melvin S. Dawson, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Melvin S. Dawson

May 17, 1949 - February 1, 2016