Dawn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wayne Eugene Burson; her parents, Mabel Marie Holmes Bates and Norman Russell Bates; and her brothers, Gerald Norman Bates, Jack Russell Bates, and Norman James Bates.

She leaves behind her seven children: Kim Marie (Wayne) Cook, Karen Sue (Pierre) Vernier, Randy Wayne Burson, Ricky Eugene (Donna) Burson, Kelli Lou (Dale, deceased) Shultz, June Renea Lampson, and David Arthur (Amanda) Burson. Her greatest earthly blessing was the family she built and loved so fiercely. She was also blessed with 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Family was at the heart of Dawn's life. She gave of herself in countless ways, and her love was expressed not only in words, but in the things she did. She was the kind of person who remembered, who showed up, who made time, and who found joy in simply being with the people she cared about.

Dawn was a crafter extraordinaire, with the ability to sew, crochet, cross-stitch, and paint on fabric. She had an artist's heart and a talent for turning simple things into something beautiful.

Dawn worked for the Osceola County Health Department and co- owner of Burson Milk Transportation serving Evart and the surrounding area. She read to the children at the local Elementary School in Evart, she loved seeing the bright faces all around.

Her faith was not simply something Dawn talked about-it was something she lived. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church, participating in Bible Study, taught Sunday School, and served as a Church Ministry Leader. Through the Puppeteers, she helped bring an amazing ministry of joy and outreach to churches and nursing homes.

Dawn had a way of turning everyday moments into memories. She loved meeting friends for pizza, grabbing a quick bite, or sitting down over a cup of coffee at McDonald's. The friendships she made throughout her lifetime were genuine, lasting, and treasured.

Memorial services will take place at 1PM Saturday, September 19th at the Corey Funeral Home in Evart with visitation beginning at 12:30PM. A family burial of cremains will follow at Woodland Cemetery in Reed City. Memorial contributions in Dawn's name can be made to St. Joseph's Indian School. Share a memory or leave words of comfort online by clicking the "Tribute Wall" tab. www.coreyfuneralhome.com