An Unrivaled Life
Allison Anna Dawson
April 16, 1986 - June 27, 2026

“It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.”

We all know that the sun exists. We’ve seen it rise. We’ve watched it set. We know that it gives warmth. It showers us with rays of light. It signals a new day for some, and a new chance for others. For many of us, Allison Anna Dawson, was our sun. For years, she has been the light that came into our lives showering rays of love-unconditional, knowledge-unabridged, laughter-unrestrained, and beauty-unparalleled. Allison was a beautiful soul and a phenomenal woman. To our heart’s dismay, on June 27, 2026, Allison departed this world for an eternal rest. 

Born April 16, 1986, to Jennetter Dawson and Levi Tolliver, Allison Anna Dawson was a beloved and respected woman of faith, intellect and courage. Allison was baptized at Zion Hill Baptist Church #2. She possessed a level of curiosity that pushed her to excel in everything she attempted. Alllison and her brother Marcus, were showered with love and were encouraged to not only exceed standards, but to set them as well.

Allison was the walking portrait of a daughter’s love for her mother. Their relationship was the sum of love, support, admiration, and strength. Allison led her life in such a way that any mother would pause and just say…”wow.” That was Allison—a woman who casually astonished the world around her, and she made it look so easy.

Allison was not just a woman of intellect; she was a wordsmith who could effortlessly quote poetry and prose to fit any occasion. If a battle of words were to be had, one would enter the ring understanding there was no chance of coming out victorious against her.

"If you get, give. If you learn, teach"

A 2004 salutatorian graduate of Wilkinson County High School, Allison forged a trail of excellence that impacted all who knew her. She took her mental tenacity and curiosity to Alcorn State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in 2008, followed by her Master’s in 2012. Allison thrived in both academia and service. Her time at Alcorn gave her meaningful connections that would last for years. Allison’s desire to serve others would also motivate her to become a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Delta Alpha Upsilon Zeta Chapter. In 2008, Allison returned to her roots at WCHS as a teacher and brought with her a desire to motivate and propel the students who were now walking the halls from which she too had charted her own path.

Always thirsting for knowledge and historical understanding, it was inevitable that Allison would delve into the world of education. As both a classroom educator and a mentor to her colleagues, it was through education that Allison’s light would glow bright and fierce.

Allison was a tireless advocate for students and worked daily to remind them of their options and possibilities. Her ability to encourage students to think beyond the present moment allowed students to go beyond what even they expected for themselves. She did not accept excuses, nor allow her students to believe that they were a sum of the things they lacked. Allison poured graciously and abundantly into the lives of her students well after they’d left her classroom.

Allison taught at Wilkinson County High School, Natchez High School, and Ocean Springs High School. Her literary talents knew no limits. Her students understood that she would never ask anything of them that she did not believe they were capable of doing. She was passionate in the belief that if she put her hands to the plow, her students would bear fruit.

Her passion for learning and putting what she learned into practice was unmatched. Allison was a mentor to other teachers and sought to prove that there is no such thing as “just a teacher.” Those who encountered her by way of education were never prepared for the passion she brought to her craft. For Allison, what she did inside the classroom should align with her character and values outside the classroom.

"True friendship abides, in sunshine and in storm."

Allison was a friend like no other. Her love was unconditional, and she consistently put that love into action. Those who knew her as a friend also knew that there were no limits to her friendship. If you called, she answered. Her answers were always yes—even before she knew the question. She never took her friends for granted. Her loyalty and kindness to those of us she adopted into her world, made us feel that we’d won life’s lottery.

Unlike the sun, the rays of beauty and light that Allison gave so gracefully and effortlessly will never be dim or set. To pay forward the love she gave to those she held dear to her heart, Allison Anna Dawson leaves, her brother, Matthew Marcus Dawson of Woodville, MS; sisters, Denita Oliver, Rosalyn Lacey, Dr. Toni Nettles- Thompson, Lakisha Thompson, Dr. Tuandria Smith-Chambers; her spirit daughter Dymyne Lollis; aunts, Beulah Lollis, Carrie Pate, Gale Stewart, Jewerlene Arbuthnot; uncles, Jerry Carl Dawson, Larry Calvin Dawson, Sr., Earnest Lollis, Mickell Smith, Rondrey Smith, Darrell Tolliver, Roy Tolliver, Sr.

To further continue her illustrious legacy and to pave the way for the youth to come, Allison’s torch of excellence is passed on to the “apples of her eyes”,--godchildren, Dominic Rodney Young, Ryleigh Niauj Smith, and Lohgan AliAnna Jo Thompson.

The universe celebrates Allison Anna Dawson. She held many titles but nurtured countless hearts. Together, we will embrace her memory and rejoice in the classroom of her spirit.