Mrs. Dawn Holdgrafer, 75, wife of the late John George Holdgrafer, passed away Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 at her sister’s home in Wachapreague. Born June 29, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Edmond Reese Davis and Angela Smith Davis.
Dawn was a native of Tangier Island, where she continued to live throughout most of her life. For many years, she worked at the Islander Restaurant as both a cook and waitress, but faith and family always remained her priority. While living on the island, Dawn was a faithful member of Swain Memorial United Methodist Church. She loved the Lord and always tried to live by His Word and was proud to have had the opportunity to take part in the Walk to Emmaus, 32.
Dawn had a mild obsession with collecting cookie jars and gnomes and treasured each one as if it were her first. Dawn was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, especially when she was with her grandchildren who, without a doubt, were the light of her life. Her lively personality and uncanny ability to make those around her laugh will be forever remembered by those who had the great privilege of sharing this life with her.
In addition to her husband and parents, Dawn was predeceased by her children, Angela Violet “Vi” Pruitt and Jonathan Holdgrafer; her brother, Cliff Davis; and her great-grandson, Ayden Brown.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Claudette Elliott (Chris), of Salisbury, Md.; her sister, Mary Crockett (Henry), of Wachapreague; her grandchildren, John Pruitt (Michelle), Josh Pruitt (Andi), Edward Brown (Danielle), Alecia Brown (Kenny), Alan Michael Brown (Bri), and Jayden Holdgrafer; her great-grandchildren, Chandler, Violet Paige, Kyler, Philip, Savannah, Ben, Ashlynn, Blake, Reid, Jax, Lincoln, Evelynn, Lily, Julian, Jonathan, and Wayne; several great-great-grandchildren; nephews, Jackie and Jesse; and nieces, Mindy and Brittany.
A service to celebrate Dawn’s life will be conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m., with Mr. Tracey Moore officiating.
Contributions in her memory may be made to Swain Memorial UMC, P.O. Box 199, Tangier, VA 23440 or Riverside Shore Hospice, P.O. Box 616, Onancock, VA 23417.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
