Margie Dawley

Margie Sullivan Dawley, beloved wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2024, at the age of 102.

Margie was born January 11, 1922, to parents H. R. and Annabelle Sullivan. She grew up on a farm in the Pleasant Valley community near Midlothian, TX. She began school in a one room schoolhouse near the family farm and later graduated from Midlothian High School in 1939. The family moved to Lubbock and Margie enrolled at Texas Tech University with the goal of earning her degree and teaching history. At Tech she met the love of her life, James Dawley. It was leap year, February 29, 1940 - there was a Sadie Hawkins dance and friends convinced her to ask James as her date. Within the next month the blind date became her "forever" date. Margie described it as a two-year college courtship where they were rarely apart.

World War II interrupted the college courtship but not the love they had for each other. James joined the Navy in January 1942 and headed to boot camp in San Diego. In April he learned he would be assigned to a ship headed for the South Pacific. He called Margie and asked her to marry him to which she eagerly agreed. They were married in Yuma, AZ on April 19, 1942 - there was no time for a honeymoon, and she returned to Tech to continue her studies.

During World War II they spent months apart, but also had many adventures together. During the 3+ years James was serving in the Navy his ship (the USS Iowa) would periodically come back to the US for repairs. And when this happened, Margie would get on a train and meet him. At various times during the war, they lived in Boston, New York City, and San Francisco.

After the war, Margie and James both completed their degrees at Texas Tech. Margie graduated in 1948 while juggling a job, a husband in school, her first child, Jim, born 1945, and being pregnant with daughter, Jeanne, born in 1948. A third child, son Bill, came along in 1959. They settled in Abilene, TX in 1950. Margie's life was devoted to making a home for James and their children. Margie had a passion for teaching and began her career in Abilene ISD in 1952. She taught 9th grade World History and spent 20 years in the same classroom at Lincoln Junior High. After 30+ years of teaching, she retired in 1984.

Upon retirement James and Margie spent time at their second home in Horseshoe Bay, traveled extensively all over the US, and enjoyed time with friends and family. Margie was very active civically - she was a member and held various positions with the Philharmonic Guild, Los Aficionados, and the Garden Club. She and James were long-time members of the Abilene Country Club and the Petroleum Club.

Margie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, of 64 years James Dawley, her sister Jeanette Lea, and grandson, David Dawley. Margie is survived by her children, Jim Dawley and wife Gloria, Jeanne Dawley, Bill Dawley and wife Ginger; Grandchildren, Harrison Dawley and wife Erica, Cameron Dawley and wife Mallory, and Morgan Dawley; Great Grandchild - Ella Mae Dawley; Nieces, Leslie Lea and husband Larry and Linda Lea and husband Burt; Great Nephew, Casey Cormier and wife Katy and Great Niece Caitlin Cormier Simmermon and husband Brad.

Margie's reflection of her life was - "with a wonderful husband and a great family my life was truly - A Wonderful Life!"

Graveside Service will take place on Saturday, February 24th at 2PM at Elmwood Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank Hendrick Hospice Care for their outstanding care for our beloved mother. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1651 Pine Street, Abilene TX 79601. Donate ' Hendrick Health