Mary Nell Randall Dawson, 79, of Huntsville, Texas, was born in West Sandy, just outside of Huntsville, Texas to George Gus Randall and Lillie Mae Wells Randall. Mary had 2 older brothers, John Randall (wife Mary Lee) and Jimmie Randall (wife Evelyn). She also had an older sister, Shirley Randall Taliaferro (husband Charles Thomas) and a twin sister, Sarah Randall Lynch (husband Phil). When Mary and Sarah were 2 years old, the family moved to Huntsville off of Stubblefield Lake Road, now officially named Gus Randall Road, after Mary's father.

Growing up, Mary had a special love for the piano. After school, her sister Sarah would drive her to Richards for lessons, where Mary spent hours playing and practicing with joy. She learned to play "Last Date" by Floyd Cramer, and it quickly became her favorite piece. Some of her happiest childhood moments came from riding horses every summer—spending the day riding down to the lake, swimming, and then heading home just in time for dinner. She also loved visiting her sister Shirley's house and attending Bible school, which helped nurture the strong faith that would guide her throughout her life.

Mary and Sarah graduated from New Waverly High School in 1964 and just shortly after, Mary married the love of her life, Stephen Harry Dawson, Sr. on June 12th, 1964. Together they built a beautiful life grounded in faith, hard work, and devotion to their family. They welcomed their first son, Stephen Harry Dawson, Jr., on December 10th, 1967, and three years later were blessed with their second son, Russell Randall Dawson, on September 7th, 1970.

Mary and Steve were true partners in every aspect of life. Shortly after marriage, Mary began working at the Huntsville Prison in administration, while Steve worked around the Huntsville area laying ceramic tile. Mary and Steve decided to take a leap and purchase their first plot of land for "Big D Mobile Homes" off of Possum Walk Road, and worked side by side to build their family business from the ground up—Steve was the visionary and Mary was the brilliant business manager. Their dedication, long hours, and shared vision helped grow the company into a successful, well-respected business that became one of the largest mobile home dealerships in the country. The Dawsons poured their hearts into their work, and the values they built it on—faith, integrity, and perseverance—reflected who they were at their core.

Mary was a devoted and lifelong member of Chapelwood Baptist Church, a congregation that she proudly helped establish in 1965 with her husband, Steve. Her faith was the guiding light of her life, and she poured her heart into building the church community in Huntsville. Mary never failed to make those around her feel cherished, valued, and special. Her favorite hymn was "Amazing Grace," a song that reflected her unwavering faith and the deep peace she found in her relationship with Christ. Throughout life's challenges, this hymn brought her comfort, and anyone who heard her sing it could feel the genuine sincerity of her devotion. Mary radiated warmth wherever she went. Her compassion, gentle spirit, and the way she genuinely cared for others made her someone people naturally gravitated toward. Talking with her made you feel
uplifted, she truly had a way of shining God's love purely and effortlessly.

Above all, Mary's greatest passion was her family. Known affectionately as "Nana," she embraced her role with a love that was both deep and steady, becoming a constant source of warmth, encouragement, and unconditional love for her grandchildren. She was endlessly proud of her sons and grandchildren, and she never missed an opportunity to remind them just how much they meant to her. Her presence brightened every gathering and made every memory more special.

Mary and Steve shared countless adventures during their 60 years of marriage, whether that be traveling across the United States and abroad, going fishing, or enjoying trips to the movies. Yet no matter where life took her, Mary's happiest place was always with the people she loved most. She found beauty in life's simple moments, whether sitting quietly by the fire or, most of all, watching sunsets and appreciating the beauty of God's creations. Mary also had her own little trademarks that made her uniquely her, like always keeping her nails painted red. It was her signature: classic, confident, and full of personality, just like she was.

Easygoing, loving, and full of grace, Mary lived her life in a way that made the world brighter for everyone who knew her. Her presence was a blessing, her love was a gift, and her memory will forever be held close by her family and the many friends whose lives she touched.

Mary is survived by her 2 sons, Stephen Harry Dawson, Jr. and wife Tricia, and Russell Randall Dawson and wife Elizabeth, sister Sarah Dell Lynch, grandchildren Coleman Wyatt, Stephen Harry Dawson, III and wife Ashley, Madison Dawson, Avery Dawson, Spencer Dawson, Gracie Dawson, Chloe-Simone Budzik, and great grandchildren Everett and Braxton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen Harry Dawson, Sr., her parents, George Gus Randall and Lillie Mae Randall, her sister Shirley Randall Taliaferro, and her brothers John Wheeler and Jimmie Randall.

The family will receive visitation on Thursday, December 4th between 5 PM - 7 PM at Heritage Oak Funeral Home at 1080 I-45 Frontage Rd S, Huntsville, Texas 77340. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, December 5th, 2025 at 10 AM at Heritage Oak Funeral Home at 1080 I-45 Frontage Rd S, Huntsville, Texas 77340.