Mr. Sylvester Dawson

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings, Sunwards I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds and done a thousand things you have not dreamed of. Wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence. Hovering there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air, up, up the long delirious burning blue I’ve topped the wind swept heights with easy grace, where never lark, or even eagle, flew; and, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space, put out my hand, and touched the face of God. “High Flight” by John Magee Mr. Sylvester Dawson, Entrepreneur and Co-Owner of Evans Video Recording, Inc., graciously answered the call of the heavenly father on Sunday, April 27, 2014. Mr. Dawson, the husband of Lou Ella Spann Dawson and the son of the late Evans & Beulah Carryall Dawson was born May 22, 1948 in Sumter, SC. At an early age he accepted Christ as his savior, joining High Hills Baptist Church for instruction and fellowship. He served as an Usher, a Trustee Board member and as the Church Treasurer for over twenty-five years. He was a 1966 graduate of Ebenezer High School and furthered his education at Sumter Area Technical College where he mastered the area of Tool and Die and Welding (Diploma and certificates). In addition, he completed an apprenticeship through the US Department of Labor and through continuing education earned certificates that furthered his career in the maintenance/manufacturing area. He was employed by Yuasu Exide Corporation, of Sumter, SC. He was a member of the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion, Post 0015, the Ebenezer Alumni Association and a life member of the NAACP. Sylvester was a giant of a man who served his country honorably as a Sergeant (Security Policeman) in the United States Air Force. His tour of duty led him to Lakeland AFB in Texas, Wurtsmith, AFB in Michigan, Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam and Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota. On April 27,2014, a Viet-Nam veteran, he made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Sylvester and Ella had the honor and privilege to promote the late Mr. Bill Pinckey of the Original Drifters. Sylvester also worked with numerous individuals and groups to include: the Rev. Al Sharpton; the late James Brown; the Mighty Golden Bells; the Five Singing Stars; Boss-man and the Sunsets; and Tommy Ellison. Sylvester became known throughout the eastern part of the United States for his work with many agencies, families, and organizations. The highlight of Sylvester's video career came when he was afforded the opportunity to work with Miss America (1994) Ms. Kimberly Aiken; Miss Black USA (1997-1998) Ms. Caroline Mack and the honor to tape the 2008 Inauguration of our current President-President Barack H. Obama. He was excellent videographer and businessman. Sylvester proclaimed that "a great need of society is to preserve history through videography". To the family, Sylvester (Bubba) Dawson was a jovial, kind, and giving person. He never met a stranger, always offering assistance and an invitation to family friends. He loved his family and his family loved him. He prided in sponsoring big cook-outs, spear-heading family gatherings and reunions, and sharing his love for his sweetheart Ella, “any Ella”. Sylvester’s light will continue to shine through his loving and devoted wife of forty seven years, Lou Ella; his three children, LaJuana Dawson, and LaTia Dawson of Dalzell, SC; and Marcus T. Spann (Monique) of Greenwood, NC; his four grandchildren, Demarcus D. Carey, Demontrey E. Dawson, Davion L. Dawson, and Taylor T. Ford of Dalzell, SC; a daughter-in-law, Kimberly Dawson; two sisters, Albertha Wade (Horace), and Beulah Floyd (George) of Dalzell, SC; a niece that was raised as a sister, Phyllis D. Hough of Dalzell, SC; two brothers, Deacon Isra Dawson (Evelyn), of Dalzell, SC, and Harold Alston of Harrisburg, PA, one sister-in-law Dr. Ora Spann; six brother-in-laws, Daniel Alston, Dalzell, SC; Joseph Spann (Ruth), Sumter, SC; Dr. Thomas C. Spann (Anne) Wayne, Michigan; Ransom Spann (Maedean) Dalzell, SC; Bobby Spann (Gertrude) Rembert, SC, and James Spann, ofHopkins, SC; a host of special nieces, nephews and cousins along with other relatives and friends. He was blessed to have known LaQuanda Davis, Carmen DeJesus, and Shirletha Abrams of Dalzell, SC, Alicia Pollard Grant of Charleston, SC, and all of his beloved co-workers at Evans Video Recording, Inc.

Mr. Sylvester Dawson

May 22, 1948 - April 27, 2014