Avis Maud Dawkins passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. She was born May 3, 1931, in Decoy, St. Mary, Jamaica to Edith Cargill and William Dawkins.  Avis, or sister Avis as she was affectionately called by her siblings or mama, Aunt Avis or sister Dawkins has been a pillar of her family and was the oldest of the three living siblings - Flo Davis and Washburn Dawkins.

She dedicated her life to Jesus Christ in the early 1980's and worshipped at Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic in Jamaica for almost two decades before migrating to the United States. She resided with her sister Ivy who predeceased her in 2019, for a few years.

Later she moved to an apartment where she was friends to many. You could always count on her to be cooking and ensuring that her neighbors and friends in her apartment enjoyed a hearty meal, especially on holidays. She was always proud to introduce others to her Jamaican cuisine. Avis loved to love on people. She was known for her cooking skills.

Avis was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She leaves behind five children, Norma, Olive, Lloyd, Errol, and Sharon. She is also grand mother to Octavia (Sandra), Dwayne, David, Kevon, and Stephon and five great grandchildren. Aunt Avis had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh. She made friends everywhere she went.

She was a strong, determined and fiercely independent woman who led by example. There was never a job too large or too small that she would not tackle. During her working life she did business as a dressmaker in which she employed others.  She was not one to hesitate to give her opinion and counsel and hoped that it was received graciously, even when it hurts.

She will be missed by all her family.