Mrs. Sarah Emily Dawson Brabson, age 100, of Newport, made her transition from labor to reward on Thursday, November 12, 2009, at Baptist Hospital of Cocke County.

She was born on January 14, 1909 to the late George Murphy Dawson and Dora Mae Carr Dawson.

She was preceded in death by her husband James D. Brabson; sisters Hassie Dawson and Mary Dawson Brown; brothers Nelson, Bill, Nathan, and Charlie Dawson; and foster son Dennis Stewart.

She grew up in the Parrottsville community. She was a very active member of Macedonia Baptist Church until her health began to fail. Her church activities included The Baptist Association, Missionary Association, and church secretary.

She spent much of her life as a domestic worker and was also well-known for her delicious cakes. Even with her advanced age, she prepared dinner for her brother and nephew every Sunday for 15 years.

One of her proudest moments came when she cast her vote for the first African-American President.

She leaves to cherish her memories a brother Luther Dawson of Newport; stepson Jack Allen of Detroit, MI; godchild Elizabeth Nichols of San Diego, CA; sister-in-law Nellie Dawson of Newport; nieces Deloris Dawson Rogers of Durham, NC; Carrie Dawson Caldwell (John) of Morganton, NC; Marva Dawson Harbison of Atlanta, GA; Olivia Dawson Thomas (Bill) of Suitland, MD: Sandra Dawson Nuttall and Cheryl Dawson of Parrottsville; Gwendolyn Allen of Breiningsville, PA; Antoinette (Leslie) Rawls, Brentwood, TN; and Micki (Artis) Williams, Newark, DE; nephews James Dawson of Newport, Nelson Dawson and Ronald Dawson of Parrottsville; and Robert Martin, Sr., of Camden, MS; and a number of great-grand nieces and nephews along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Her special friends include Mrs. Annette Vance, Mrs. Gail Woods, Ms. Gwendolyn Swagerty, Mrs. Doris Teague, Mrs. Beth Runnion, and Ms. Arnette Osborne and family.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church with Rev. Jesse L. Jones, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Resthaven Memorial Gardens. Nephews will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at Macedonia Baptist Church prior to the service.

Arrangements by Costner-Maloy.