William Dawson II

William Lazarus Dawson II, New Haven, Connecticut, affectionately known as Bill, WL or Poppy was born October 4, 1933 in Vanceboro, N.C. to the late McNeal and Erlia Mae Yates Dawson. He was raised by his grandparents, W.L. (the first) and Georgia B. Dawson. William departed this life on Saturday March 26, 2022 surrounded by his children and grandchildren at Yale New Haven Hospital, St. Raphael’s campus. As a young boy, Bill attended various schools in Vanceboro, Chocowinity and Washington N.C. In 1953, after finishing junior high school, Bill relocated to New Haven, CT. He held many positions throughout his professional career. Bill was a truck driver and entrepreneur for over 45 years. In 1965, he started L&W Maintenance Services with his late brother-in-law Louis H. Campbell. He continued to work in maintenance until his retirement. Bill always maintained his connection to his southern roots, travelling to North Carolina regularly. He loved being with his family and he loved the food: fried porgies, watermelon; lemonade; cornbread; fatback and especially chicken feet and pig feet. Elder William Dawson was an active and devoted member of Sweet Hope Church Inc. He held many positions during his membership and was elevated to Elder. Bill leaves to cherish his fond and loving memories his children: William M. Dawson, Anthony B. Dawson (Laura), Wanda D. Dawson, and William L. Dawson III; step-daughter, Salena R. Hansley; bonus sons, Fidel Guevara and Roger Via; godson, Gregory D. Teel; His eleven grandchildren: Sharra Dawson-McNeil (Bruce), Nakia Dawson-Douglas (Marquis), Shymar Avery, Michael M. Dawson, Toni Dawson, Melissa Lewis, Bernice Dawson, Sharkerial Dawson, Monitra Dawson, Adrian Dawson, Zy’aire Dawson and Zinnia Dawson. Bill was blessed with 17 great-grandchildren, all who he adored. Bill’s legacy will be felt through his two remaining siblings: sister, Florence Mangum and brother, John B. Dawson; a sister – in – law, Judith Campbell and a brother – in – law, Dennoris Wilson. William was joyously received in heaven by his biological mother Mary Dawson, his wife Burnestine Dawson, his son, Andrew A. Dawson (Fatts), his sisters: Shirley Dawson, Patricia Dawson, Vanessa Dawson. Lynda Faye Wilson and two great grandchildren Tori and Toray Bellamy. Bill was also predeceased by brothers – in –law, Robert Campbell, George Campbell, Jr., Louis H. Campbell and Armester Lee C. Galloway.

William Dawson II

October 4, 1933 - March 26, 2022