Obituaries

Jeffrey L. Dawkins, 60

November 06, 2023

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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Condolences to the Family

September 10, 2024

Hi Dad ♥️ I miss you so much 
Love always, your babygirl Angelyn 

June 16, 2024

Happy Father’s Day Dad 💙 
Love always, your babygirl Angelyn 

March 27, 2024

I love you and I miss you so much Dad ❤️ Love always, your babygirl Angelyn 

November 20, 2023

Coach 
I has been an honor and privilege to get to have known you. Your impact on the community and our family will be missed. I always appreciated your inspiring words you gave to me while in highschool that pushed me along with many others to be courageous in taking on new challenges. Rest Easy Friend 
Carlos E Colon

November 19, 2023

November 19, 2023
I had the distinct pleasure of getting to know Jeffrey Dawkins as one of my track coaches at Lancaster Mennonite from 2009-2011. He gave 100% in his commitment to the team and was passionately there for the kids both on and off the field. His humor and contagious enthusiasm were generously shared with all who had the privilege to meet him. In my mind he was “Mr. Inspiration” and I was glad to have gotten to know him. May God’s unfailing love sustain you as a family. He will be missed by many. Dennis Kauffman,Head Track Coach 2005-2011
 

November 19, 2023

Coach was my fav from the moment I met him in the weight room at Lancaster Mennonite High. His charisma and energy were inspiring to all. I loved hugging & bouncing off his solid body. Once, in the weight room, he decided to show the kids how he could bench press his weight. He did. I had the privilege of teaching Angie and Jewan at the high school & soon realized how much they loved and respected their parents, and how important it was to please them. Coach was very much involved in their education and in his communication with me regarding their progress. And progress they did; they excelled at what they did. Coach had high standards and expected best efforts from his own kids and his athletes that he treated as his own. He would fuel them with encouragement. He was caring and trustworthy. Way too early to lose a husband, way to early to lose a father, way too early to lose a coach. He leaves a hole in our hearts that over time we’ll fill by remembering him, his legacy, his zest for life, his example. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. 

November 18, 2023

To Wanda and the family,  the Cunningham family sends our deepest condolences.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  

November 16, 2023

I never had the honor of meeting Jeffrey Dawkins, but felt that I knew him from afar through my daughter who is a cheerleader at Lancaster Catholic.  Coach Dawkins had a gift that God gave him to make a difference in this world through impacting other people’s lives.  All those fond memories will never fade away and shall be treasured always by all the hearts that he touched.  May God Bless him and watch over and protect his family always.  
 
Thank You, Jeff for being such a wonderful person and role model for all of the children.  You have left a legacy and an impact that will always keep a light shining down here on earth in all the lives you have touched.  Even in people that you never had a chance to meet.  Rest in peace, my friend.    
Robert Chirico

November 16, 2023

Dear Wanda and family,
What a beautiful memorial and celebration of JD’s life we just witnessed! Oh, how I wish we could have stayed. JD was an amazing  man and yes, he was full of love!! His friendship, his sense of humor,  his steady words of encouragement (even in the midst of his own trials) came straight from his heart. As the one young lady said JD was always authentic , a perfect description! JD had a huge, wonderful impact on both Larry and I.  It was an honor, a privilege  and a blessing to call him friend. He will always remain in our hearts, his words will ring in our ears and the memories  made will remain with us forever.
Wanda, if you need anything,  please reach out to us! May you all feel the mighty, loving presence of the Lord carrying you through this difficult transition.
With love and prayer, from our hearts to yours,
Larry and Rose Faus

November 16, 2023

My Beloved Uncle Jeffery aka Chicken nothing but wonderful and Fond memories of you. You’ve been kind and understanding.  Your sense of humor was unmatchable. To Aunt Wanda and children words could not express your loss. May God keep you and bless you. I love yall
Latoya Broaddus (Niece)

November 16, 2023

My condolences to JD Wife, kids and family. JD and his great spirit will be missed by so many of the people that he touched throughout his life. We lost a great soul. RIP MY BROTHER. 
Ernell Harley

November 16, 2023

Hands down one of a kind! In life you will rarely come across a more loving, funny, caring person. Always treated my son’s and I like real family from the day we met. The smile, the hugs, the dancing, the jokes will all be missed. For 60 years God allowed Coach Dawkins to be here on this planet with a mission to make people smile, make them laugh, brighten their days, and feel that love that most of us look for and there he always was to give it. When I got this news it hurt my heart just knowing he was one of those people you felt would live forever but I’m 100% sure he’s with God for eternity showing God all his dance moves. Miss you Coach and we will see each other again!!!!!!!!
Anthony Henson

November 15, 2023

To the entire family,
Sis. Judy Truman is a friend and member of my church (St John Pentecostal Church). My husband and I had the opportunity of meeting her beloved brother. What a joy to see the love that was shared between Judy and her brother. I am saddened for this loss for the entire family and all who knew Jeffrey. Please be comforted by all your precious memories and remember the word of the Lord tells us that earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not cure. Lyrics of a song recorded by Cece Winans says, He knows, He cares, He sees, He’s there and He’ll carry you, He’s concerned about you. As you grieve, as you reflect, always know God will never leave you, nor forsake you and be encouraged knowing many are praying for you.   
Elder Valerie P. Pernell

November 15, 2023

To Mrs. Wanda Dawkins and family,  my condolences to you on the loss of a great husband, father, and community icon! My 1st words following the news were, ” he adored her!” He left a legacy of love of family and community.  He will be greatly missed.  Thank you for sharing him with us!  Valentines Day did not become real to me until I met and then celebrated you and your husband!  And thanks to the two of you, it will never be the same!  And to his precious children, his prizes and arrows on this earth;  May you all be comforted in knowing how proud he was of everyone of you!  Love and prayers,  Charlotte Robertson

November 13, 2023

Where to begin. A man with such an amazing personality, who touched so many hearts and lives. We were just texting two days before he passed just catching up. He was the only person to believe in me and my success and was always there’s cheering me on. I pray for endless empanadas for him up there in heaven. You’ll always be in my heart Coach Dawkins and the game on Friday just wasn’t the same without you. I wen just like we both said we would. My condolences to his family and we’re with you through this tough time.
Abi Amaya 

November 13, 2023

The Brooks family is so sorry for the transition of your husband, father, brother, and all the titles he held in your/his life.This is a really trying time, but remember whoms he belong too! Jeffrey was walking love, no doubt about it. That’ how I remember him on Hook Road in Pennsville NJ. 
Linda Carter (Brooks)

November 13, 2023

I am so very sorry about Coach Dawkins’ passing. I coached track with him at Lancaster Catholic and knew him before that when he was at LMH. His enthusiasm and love for the kids were unmatched. This is a sad moment for all who knew him. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family.
Tom Simpson

November 12, 2023

We will miss you buddy!! Our heart goes out to the family and we will cherish our memories of him!! From everyone at Alice’s Diner 
Efthimios Lountzis

November 12, 2023

I am saddened by your loss but know this it was our loss also I worked with Jeff at sikorsky for a number of years and in all that time he always had a way of making you smile he was truly a joy to work with. He will be missed.  Darryl Tucker RIP Jeff

November 11, 2023

Coach, I know you’re listening. You will be greatly miss by so many, no reason to cry. Thank you for being the man! The Time has come for you to come home!
Carlos colon

November 11, 2023

It comes with great sadness to hear about Coach Dawkins my son Koby was extremely fond of him. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family he was such a  blessing. Jeff always had a smile on his face and always a nice thing to say he will be truly missed, especially from the Lancaster Catholic football team rest in peace, Jeff, he will never be forgotten.🙏♥️
Love and blessings the Myers family (Koby)❣️

November 11, 2023

Never will be another Jeffrey Love ,my baby brother had something on the inside of his soul that was special, condolences to his wife and children,always there for you all.  Tony

November 11, 2023

I’m so incredibly sorry for the loss of Coach. I had just seen him the week before,  he came into wawa for his fresh French Vanilla coffee…. Rest in peace Coach, thanks for all the laughs.  Jenna

November 10, 2023

To Wanda,his children and family 
I don’t know where to start, Jeff was a GREAT MAN, and someone me and my family called OUR friend!!  
He encouraged me to keep on moving after my husband’s death, calling me to make sure I was ok!!
And helping my son know he can do whatever he put his mind on doing, he was not just his track coach at Lancaster Mennonite, he was An Angel placed on earth to help ALL THE CHILDREN he encouraged to do their best and then some!!
He was a husband that let everyone know how much he loved his wife and kids!
JEFF, rest now and watch over us from above!
I am HONORED to call JEFF MY FRIEND!!
Much Love Cookie Williams Plowden
 

November 10, 2023

R.I.P. my dear friend! You will definitely be missed. We always made each other laugh when we talked. My very sincere condolences to the family. Andrew Tyson

November 10, 2023

sad to hear we worked at MGS he could always make me laugh,  he was a hard worker and a good friend stayed in touch  weekly when i had my heart surgry RIP my friend u will be missed!! troy m bender jr

November 10, 2023

To the Dawkins family, I am so sorry for your loss. I went to school with Jeff many years ago and we rode the same bus. He always had my back when the bullies acted up. May he rest in peace… Debbie

November 10, 2023

I am so sorry for your loss.  I worked with JD at STOCK and we remained friends for many years after that.  This is a great shock to me and I will miss him. Paul Burns

November 10, 2023

May U Rest in Peace and the Family find comfort in all the Great memories …You will be Missed…
Charlie Hargrove Sr

November 10, 2023

I had the pleasure of meeting Jeff in elementary school in Pennsville, NJ.  Even then you could tell he was special.  He was always smiling and kept a positive attitude.  Even though I had not seen Jeff in years to my living in Florida, I truly enjoyed his posts on social media the past few years.  You could tell by his posts that he was a giver to his family an community. Jeff truly had a positive impact to the lives of the students and atheletes he touched.  I was looking to forward to seeing him during my 35th high school reunion.  Unfortunetly I was not able to make it. I prayed for him when he was hospitalized recently and was blessed when I saw his posts from This football season  Egan this fall.  Jeff lived life to his fullest everyday and my condolences to his family.  Jeff has surely left a hole in the hearts he touched.  RIP Coach Dawkins.
Vince Hess

November 10, 2023

It is with great sorrow I learn of his passing. I worked with him at MGS. He used to unload trailers for us. He used to always hit me up for a piece of chocolate. I really enjoyed him. He was funny as heck and we always have each other a hard time. Loved that guy. he will be missed 
Jimbo Jim Glick

November 10, 2023

Coach,I will miss you, thank you so much for your friendship, it was always a joy to talk with you, you always put a smile on my face. Rest in peace my friend, another angel 😇 has got his wings,my thoughts and prayers 🙏 go out to your beautiful family at this very sad time Enjoy the next part of your journey my friend, I’ll cherish our friendship ❤I’ll never forget ❤ you Coach,your laughter was so contagious. Soar with the angels until we meet again.Sending hugs to you in Heaven.XXXXXX 
Linda Smoker

November 10, 2023

I was honored to have known JD. I met him 25yrs ago… 1997 he was doing security work at that time. He was so outgoing, with a contagious humor and smile.
I send my deepest condolences with prayers of comfort and peace. He will be dearly missed. 
Cheryl Dews

Visitation
Thursday, November 16, 2023
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
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Willow Street, PA 17584
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Thursday, November 16, 2023
6:30 PM
Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory
2421 Willow Street Pike
Willow Street, PA 17584
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