Jeffrey L. Dawkins was born on December 16,1962 at Salem Memorial Hospital and was raised in Pennsville, New Jersey to parents Thomas Dawkins Sr. and Belle Dawkins. As a young boy, he always worked hard completing yard work, helping people and other miscellaneous chores to buy his first car at 16 years old. Jeff was a football and track star at Penns Grove High School and was the Class of 1982.

Jeff moved to Philadelphia, PA after graduating high school and learned many trades such as construction, forklift driving, machine operations, security and worked in these industries throughout his life to support his family. "JD" was an extremely hardworking and dedicated employee to all the companies he worked for, and they always enjoyed his outgoing personality.

In Philadelphia is where he met his soulmate and the love of his life, Wanda, in February of 1990, where they saw each other going in opposite directions on the escalator. True example of "love at first sight." They moved to Lancaster, PA and raised their three children where they instilled the family values and good morals that were important to them. Jeff and Wanda united in holy matrimony on February 14th, 2003. Being a provider and protector was the most important role to Jeff and he upheld that for 33 years until God called him home.

Coach Dawkins' specialty was track and field and football for many many years. Most recently, he coached track and field at Lancaster Mennonite School from 2009 until 2021. He then became a football coach for Lancaster Catholic High School from 2021 until the end. He enjoyed being around the athletes, inspiring young people and shining a beacon of light to all who was around him. His impact on the athletic community touched many lives.

In his free time, Jeff enjoyed watching football, movies, and documentaries about wildlife and outer space. He had a true talent for cooking and always made sure his family and friends were well fed. He was a lifetime Buffalo Bills and Penn State football fan. His core life values were family, hard work, discipline, and dedication. God gave Jeff a gift of good humor, the ability to brighten someone's day and he always left a positive lasting impression. He had an energetic and big personality and he loved to dance, make jokes, tell stories and was all around the "life of the party". Jeff was a devoted husband, father, brother, coach, mentor, friend and so much more.

Jeff leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Wanda Dawkins; three children: Jewan Dawkins, Angelyn Dawkins and Jilil Dawkins; six siblings: Belle (Ronald) Howard, Thomas (Stella) Dawkins, Kirk Dawkins, Rufus (Lillie) Dawkins, Judy Dawkins-Truman and Jenny (Norman) Harrison; mother in-law: Carolyn Brown; brother in-law: Kevin (Angela) Brown. Also survived by children from previous relationships: Jeffrey Dawkins Jr., Ray Robinson, Keeyana Dawkins, Kalimah Dawkins and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and grandchildren. Preceding in death: Thomas Dawkins Sr., Belle Dawkins, Paul Brown, Peter Truman, Doris Dawkins, and Aisha McIntosh.

Jeffrey L. Dawkins peacefully returned to the Lord on Monday, November 6, 2023.

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