Julie Lynn Dawson, 63, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 8:31 p.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, with her family by her side.
Julie was born August 4, 1961, in Galesburg, the daughter of William Earl and Frances Ann (Motter) Dawson. Julie is survived by her mother, Ann Norgart of Rock Island, Illinois; her stepmother, Karen Dawson of Galesburg; one son, Andrew Dawson of Clear Lake, Iowa; her stepdaughter and best friend, Cassandra Gilson-Hunt of Galesburg; stepdaughter, Christy Gilson of Galesburg; three sisters, Cindy (Dan) England of Coal Valley, Illinois, Jenny (Rick) Hinrichs of Rock Island, and Sherri (Janice Crysel) Dawon of Jacksonville, Florida; and her six grandchildren, Aidan, Jocelyn, Tristan, Jessica, Hanna, and Brandon; and four great grandchildren. Julie is also survived by her stepsisters, Julie (Greg “Chops”) Bacon of Galesburg, Judy (Tom) Magee of Williamsfield, Illinois, and Jodi Hanen of Galesburg. Julie was preceded in death by her father, long-time partner, Steven Gilson in 2017, and a great grandson, Jasper Newland.
Julie and Steve ran Steve’s Sporting Goods in Galesburg for many years. She had been working in data entry at Bridgeway for the past 15 years. In her free time, Julie enjoyed watching and sharing cop videos with Cassandra, working on jigsaw puzzles, and most of all, being with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Memorial visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial services will follow at 6 p.m. Pastor Donna McCaw will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for the benefit of her grandchildren. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.