Sylvia “Jean” Fridley Dawson 78, of Covington, died Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Hospital in Mechanicsville.

She was born January 7, 1945, in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late James T. Fridley and Lillian Kitt Fridley.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard J. Dawson; three brothers, Willie Fridley, J.T. Fridley, Phil Fridley; and two sisters, Sandra Kirk and Darlene Brewster.

Mrs. Dawson was a devoted Christian and member of the Cliff Dale Christian Church.  She was a loving mother and grandmother.

Surviving are four daughters, Teresa (Greg) Hoylman of Crows, Tina Baker (Steven Irvine) of Covington, Shelby Hoke of Clifton Forge and Lillian Kibler of Covington; one son, Howard (Jessica) Dawson, III. of Covington; Twenty-one grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; three special brothers, Bobby Fridley and Paul Fridley of Covington, Gordon Fridley of Clifton Forge; four sisters, Judy (Wesley) Craft of Clifton Forge, Vicky (Tommy) Depriest of Eagle Rock, Jewel (Harold) Brewster of Covington and Susie (Barry) Deacan of Eagle Rock; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 1:00 PM in Lone Star Cemetery with Rev. Bill Gilliland officiating assisted by Rev. David Brown. The family will receive their friends on Thursday from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Arritt Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Nicholas Mailliard, Kristina Baker, Mikie Terry, Travis Terry, Greggy Hoylman, Justin Bailey, Bubba Stull, JP Brewster, Nathan Leach and Gage Walton.

Memorial contributions in Jean’s name may be made to the Meals on Wheels program, P. O. Box 14205, Roanoke, VA 24038-4205.

Arritt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Ms. Dawson.

Friends wishing to send tributes online may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com.