Benjamin Dawson

Benjamin Cornelius Dawson ("Benny") was born on January 31, 1949, in Akron, Ohio to parents Cornelius Benjamin Dawson and Mattie Elizabeth (Winston) Dawson. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Ayhelia (Kaladeen) Dawson of 35 years, his daughters Melissa Elizabeth Dawson (David Maze), Shana Dawson Fish (Kiyoshi Terrell Fish), and his grandchildren Olivia Ayhelia Fish, Charlotte Elizabeth Fish and Kiyoshi Terrell Fish, II. Ben's love vibrated through his seven siblings, all of Akron, Ohio: Gloria Dawson Williams (predeceased), Joyce (David, predeceased) Clark, Betty Ann (Josh, predeceased) Moss, Lenwood (Diane) Dawson, Clarence Dawson (predeceased; survived by Gloria Dawson), James Dawson and Gladine Dawson. Ben is predeceased by his son, Benjamin Cornelius Dawson, Jr. and survived by his grandchildren, Nimata, Nafisa and Saharih Dawson. Benjamin is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins that he proudly loved and admired. At age 19, Benjamin enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a Medical Corpsman from 1968 to 1970. While enlisted he earned the National Defense Service Medal and received badges for Marksman/Sharpshooter. Benjamin returned from his service to Akron where he began his career at the United States Postal Service. In February of 1977, he transferred with the Post Office to Phoenix, Arizona where he reunited with his cousin, Reynaud Cummings, and spent the last 42 years of his life. Benjamin retired with 40 years of service and was a top preforming manager, who managed with eloquence, authority and respect. He and Ayhelia were married on August 24, 1984, in Phoenix, Arizona. Ben was persistent to win over the woman who he knew was the love of his life and the wife he prayed for. Ben met her twice at the mall and he invited her out. She was modest and did not take him up on his offers. Months later they met again and Ben charmed her with his loving and caring ways and she knew that he was a man like no other. In 1985, he and Ayhelia welcomed their oldest daughter, Melissa, and in 1988 they welcomed their youngest daughter, Shana. During their marriage Ben developed a brotherhood with his four brother-in-laws (Richard, Steve, Romeo and Vick) and a bond with his three sisters-in-laws (Hilda, Rama, and Shazida), as they raised their children together, took family vacations and celebrated all of life's occasions. Ben also had a relationship of admiration with his mother-in-law, Bhismoutie Kaladeen, and his father-in-law, Seecharran Kaladeen, who lived in his home for 14 years and predeceased him by 61 days. Throughout Ben's time in Arizona he and his wife set goals and made achievements together. They proudly built 5 homes through their hard work and dedication to their children. In 2018, they built their last home together, alongside his cousins, Anthony and Patrica Swoope. Ben was an avid lover of football. He spent his own football career as a little leaguer scoring four interceptions, which accounted for two touchdowns! His love for Professional football started with the Cleveland Browns and continued with the Arizona Cardinals, as he became a season ticket holder from 1988, when they moved to Arizona, to 2017. He built a tradition of attending the Cardinals games with his daughters and later his granddaughters as they indulged on snacks, life and created memories together. Ben's love and life was filled by the joy of being a devoted grandfather to his three grandchildren who he spent every day loving and caring for. Benjamin had an upbringing that shaped his legacy as a hardworking, dignified, proud and majestic person. On July 9, 2019, at 7:05 am, God graciously gave Ben his wings. Ben was a kind and simple man who loved and appreciated life. His roots were deep and his legacy is strong. He was a gift from God that will forever live through his wisdom and grace. Our Forever Angel, Benjamin Cornelius Dawson