On July 11, 1918, Altamese Padgett Dawkins was born to Reuben P. Padgett, Sr. and Rose Jackson
Padgett in Brunswick, GA.. Her grandmother, Emily Jackson, was born into slavery and also lived
to be 104 years old. Altamese was one of the last survivors of her generation leaving her 1 st
Cousin, Doris Rutledge as the sole survivor of that generation. She spoke often of her
grandmother who helped the family through hard times using the small pension money she
received from the government for her husband, Harden Jackson, who had served as a soldier in
the Civil War.
Her father, Reuben, passed at the young age of 33. Her widowed mother, Rose, moved to Jacksonville,
FL.. Altamese was 3 years old at that time, and later became the fourth of eight children - Millard
Padgett, Sr., Reuben Paul Padgett Jr., Raymond Padgett, and William Padgett, Rosa Mae English-
Sturgis, Louis English, Sr., and Mildred English-George, who all preceded her in death.
Altamese was educated in the public schools of Duval County, graduating from Stanton High School. She
enjoyed home economics and learning to be a wonderful seamstress in school. Her early Christian life
was in St. Pius V Catholic Church, the oldest African American Parish in the State of Florida, more
than 90 years ago. She was a faithful member of the Choir for many, many years. Her angelic voice
was so radiant and uplifting. Altamese's lovely soprano singing voice remained strong well into
her later years. As she aged, she often remarked, "there are lots of things I can no longer do
because I am getting old, but I can still sing". She would then break out in a rendition of "I
TRUST IN GOD".
After graduating from High School, she met and fell in love with Ralph Dawkins, a Professional Golfer and
Flooring Contractor. They raised their seven children in historic Durkeeville in Jacksonville, FL. before
moving to Washington Heights community in Northwest Jacksonville. With a strong emphasis on
education, Altamese and Ralph encouraged their children to excel. The Altamese and Ralph Dawkins,
Sr. Endowed College Scholarship was presented by Mrs. Dawkins early in March 2023 to the Moore-
Myers Children's Fund to support young people in our community interested in golf programs and college
education.
At 104 years, 10 months, Altamese Dawkins was one of the oldest members of the Parish families at St.
Pius V Catholic Church and the Church of the Crucifixion, serving the latter as founding families. She
was honored to be among longstanding parishioners as a centenarian after celebrating 100 years of age,
still vibrant, faith-filled and active, doing God's work. She was last employed by St. Pius V Church as
Rectory Housekeeper, prior to her retirement fifty-one (51) years ago. She also was a member of the
Ladies Auxiliary of Knights of Peter Claver, Altar Rosary Society, and worshipped at St. Pius V Church
(for 32 years) and Church of the Crucifixion (for 60 years). She was a mother to many as she loved
so unconditionally. She lived her faith showing others how to live and die in our Lord Jesus
Christ and Savior, as she was called home on May 8, 2023.

Altamese Dawkins was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Ralph Dawkins, Sr. (94 years, 10
months) August 22, 2004. She is survived by seven loving children, many grands and great grand
children. Her children and their families are: (Daughter) Dr. Cecilia E. Dawkins of Homewood, IL, and

son, Dr. Keith Gibson (Andrew) of Memphis, TN, and sons, Zeke and Nick; (Son) Ralph Dawkins, Jr.
(Patricia) and family: Marian Baker and children: Rashaunaa, Jerrod, Tristan, and Missy; Ralph Dawkins,
III (Michelle) of Charlotte, NC, and sons, Daylan and Ryan; Brian Patrick Dawkins (Connie) of Orlando, FL
and children: Brian Patrick, Jr., Brionni. Cionni and Chonni; (Son) Vincent Stephen Dawkins, Sr (Brenda),
of Miramar, FL, and family: Vincent Stephen, II (Sheila) of Miami, FL and children: Brianna, Ashanti, and
Vincent Stephen, III; Courtney Dawkins-Williams (Jonaine) of Miramar, FL, and children: Jonaine Jr,
Jaylin and Jorden; (Son) James Dwight Dawkins, Sr. and family: James Dwight Dawkins, Jr. (Constance)
and children: James Dawkins III, (Cherice) Birmingham, AL., Raquel (Deontre') Whitaker, of Zebulon,
North Carolina; Jordan and Lauren; Fay Marie Dawkins, of Austin, TX and daughters, Alexis Baker and
Sydney Dawkins; Shelendell Dawkins;
(Daughter/twin) Dr. Marva P. Dawkins, Des Plaines, IL., and son, Billy Rashun Chapman (Cheryl) of Des
Plaines, IL., and children: Camryn, Cayden, and Sienna Altamese; (Son/twin) Dr. Marvin P. Dawkins of
Miami, FL and son, Phillip Mandela; (Daughter) Dr. Rose Donna Maria Dawkins-Baytop, M.D. (Allen) of
San Diego, CA and family: Dr. Chanza Marii Baytop-Grange (James) of Upper Marlboro, MD.; Brian-Allen
Baytop (Tiffany) of Palmdate, CA and children: Malcolm-Allen, Aryanna Jackilyn, Jazmon Rose, Pierce
Linton, Taryn Love, Cason Isaiah. Her Nieces are: Patricia S. Greene (First Niece), Yvette George Brown,
Los Angeles, CA, Audrey George-James (Erinio), Cheryl Ann George Miller; Cecelia Sturgis Benson
(Wilbert), Vannette Sturgis; Her Nephews are Rev. Harold O. Hair, Jr. (First Nephew) of Fayetteville, GA,
Ret. Capt. Reuben P. Padgett, Jr., Dr. Gregory Padgett (Lorina) of St. Petersburg, FL, Millard Padgett, Jr.
of Dublin, GA, Frank Sturgis, Jr. of Houston, TX, Joseph Sturgis, Gary L. George, Darryl George, and a
host of Great Nieces, Great Nephews, Cousins and Godchildren and many great friends.

Funeral Mass for Altamese Dawkins, 105, will be held Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 11:00AM in The Church of the Crucifixion where she was the oldest faithful member. The visitation will be held the morning of service at 10:00AM with the Rosary and 10:15AM. Interment in Restlawn Cemeteries-North.