PALLBEARERS
Odain Dennis (grandson)
Sternie Williams (brother)
Marquisse Henry (grandson)
Glennier Williams (brother)
Oshawney Williams (nephew)
Silbert “June” Williams (brother)
HIS STORY
In Loving Memory of Mr. Donald L. Dawkins 1944 – 2025
Donald Livingston Dawkins, affectionately known as Donnie or “Danny” to his Jamaican family passed away peacefully at home on June 6, 2025. Born on September 20, 1944, in Kingston, Jamaica, Donnie was the eldest of nine children raised in Knoxwood, Saint Elizabeth, by his mother Evelyn Williams (née Williamson), stepfather Sidney “Solomon” Williams, and maternal grandparents Alfred “Teedee” Williamson and Florence Barnes. His Uncle Bertey also played a special role in his upbringing, helping to instill the values that shaped Donnie’s life.
Donnie began his education at Knoxwood Basic and later attended Burnt Savannah School, where he began to show the lively personality and strong work ethic that would define him. Following the guidance of his determined mother, he and all his siblings were taught a trade Donnie chose masonry. As a skilled mason, he helped build many homes and buildings across Jamaica that still stand today as a testament to his craftsmanship. Although he did not continue in that trade professionally after moving abroad, he remained very hands-on able to fix almost anything. His natural skill, attention to detail, and love for building never left him.
In 1967, Donnie first traveled to the United States, and by 1972, he had immigrated permanently, settling in Boston, Massachusetts. There, he built a life rooted in family, friendship, and hard work. He held several roles that reflected his dedication and reliability, including school bus driver for the City of Boston, and later worked as a bus operator for the MBTA and Paul Revere Transportation. After Donnie retired from the school bus, he enjoyed traveling to Jamaica and continued nurturing his lifelong passion for building. He spent countless hours working on his house.
Donnie was known for his sharp style, magnetic charm, and storytelling often repeating his favorite tales with a familiar grin and a glint in his eye. If podcasting had existed back in his day, he surely would have had a popular show. He had a love for music, and good company, and he especially enjoyed chatting with younger family members, often tossing out slang he picked up during his years driving school buses in Boston.
With a big laugh and quick wit, he could keep a room entertained and yes, at times, he had a bit of a potty mouth. But it was all part of his unfiltered, genuine spirit. He was also an avid wrestling fan and would passionately argue that it wasn’t fake. After all, he had seen it live at the Boston Garden! His animated commentary and spirited debates over matches were legendary, often drawing others in whether they agreed or not.
Family was everything to Donnie. As the eldest sibling, he took pride in his brothers and sisters, lighting up whenever they came to visit. In his final days, nothing brought him more comfort than being surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and loved ones. Donnie often joked that he was a VIP but in truth, he was a VIP: he was deeply loved and deeply grateful for everything that was done for him. Though illness weakened his body, it never touched his spirit. Donnie remained witty, gracious, and full of gratitude until the very end. Cancer never claimed his essence. His happiest moments were those filled with laughter, stories, and the presence of the people he cherished.
Donnie was preceded in death by his parents Evelyn and Uroy, his stepfather Sidney, brother Stanley Dawkins, and sister Peggy Dawkins. He is survived by his beloved children: Monica Dawkins-Davis(Andrew Davis), Sherine Henry (Leroy Henry), Donald “Shawn” Dawkins, and Shelly Dowdie; grandchildren: Tena Robinson, Odain Dennis, and Marquisse Henry; six brothers: Balford, Donovan “Swadie,” Noel, Sternie, Glennier “Glen,” and Silbert “June” Williams; and two sisters: Jennifer “Jenny” and Hulda “Hul” Williams.
He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and extended family including his cousin Cassilda Davis, who was like a sister and dear friends, especially Jasainth Reid, affectionately known as his “lady friend.”
As Donnie often said with a smile, “I will see you when I see you.” He will be missed deeply and remembered always.
O V I N G M E M O R I E S
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalms 23
Old Testament
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
New Testament
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
ORDER OF SERVICE
Officiating … Pastor Andrew Gayle
Dominion Worship Ministries
Processional Ministers
Invocation Prayer Pastor Fabiola Gayle
Congregational Hymn “How Great Thou Art”
Scripture: Old Testament Danielle White (Niece)
Song Selection Sister Hazel Nembhard
Scripture: New Testament Cheryl Patrick (Niece)
Poem Mr. Gomez Brown (Friend)
Song Selection Bro. Andre Wright
Tribute To Family Maurice Dawkins (Nephew)
Obituary Traceyann Williams (Niece)
Prayer Of Comfort Pastor Pamella Hall
Acknowledgements Sis. Simone Lopez
Reflections Family and Friends
Eulogy Pastor Andrew Gayle
Congregational Hymn “To God Be The Glory”
Recessional Ministers
REPAST
Sorrel and Lime
986 Blue Hill Ave, Dorchester, MA 02124 2:00-4:00pm
O R D E R O F S E R V I C E
HOW GREAT THOU ART
Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder Consider all the works, Thy hands have made, I see the stars,I hear the rolling thunder, Thy pow’r throughout, The universe displayed!
Chorus
TO GOD BE THE GLORY
1.To God be the glory, great things He hath done, So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, Who yielded His life our redemption to win, And opened the life-gate that all may go in.
Chorus
Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee; How great Thou art, How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee; How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
When thru the woods, And forest glades I wander And hear the birds, Sing sweetly in the trees, When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook, And feel the gentle breeze.
And when I think, That God, His Son not sparing, Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in –That on the cross, My burden gladly bearing, He bled and died, To take away my sin!
When Christ shall come, With shout of acclamation And take me home, What joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow, In humble adoration And there proclaim, My God, how great Thou art!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice; Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.
2. Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, To every believer the promise of God; The vilest offender who truly believes, That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
3. Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done, And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son; But purer, and higher, and greater will be Our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see.
WHEN THE ROLL IS CALLED UP YONDER
1.When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, And time shall be no more, And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair; When the saved of earth shall gather Over on the other shore, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
Chorus
When the roll, is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
2. On that bright and cloudless morning
When the dead in Christ shall rise, And the glory of His resurrection share; When His chosen ones shall gather To their home beyond the skies,
3. Let us labor for the Master From the dawn till setting sun, Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care; Then when all of life is over, And our work on earth is done.
NO GRAVE CAN HOLD MY BODY DOWN
No grave can hold my body down, No grave can hold my body down. When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, And the dead in Christ shall rise; No grave, can hold my body down.
I’LL FLY AWAY
1. Some glad morning when this life is o'er, I'll fly away; To a home on God's celestial shore, I'll fly away (I'll fly away).
(Chorus)
I'll fly away, Oh Glory, I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, I'll fly away (I'll fly away).
2. When the shadows of this life have gone, I'll fly away; Like a bird from prison bars has flown, I'll fly away (I'll fly away)
3. Just a few more weary days and then, I'll fly away; To a land where joy shall never end, I'll fly away (I'll fly away)
SOME SWEET DAY
Some sweet day, I’m going away, I’m going to leave this world No more to roam, Some sweet day, When life is over
Some sweet day, I’m going away.
G R A V E S I D E H Y M N S