04/09/2026
Dawn Marks 50, of Houston, TX; after an eight-month, hard-fought battle with cancer, she courageously gained her wings in victory on March 31, 2026, entering into eternal life with grace and victory.
Services are Saturday, Apr. 11, 2026, Paradise Baptist Church 4390 Fannett Rd. Beaumont, TX. Gathering of Family and Friends will begin at 9AM until Funeral at 10AM. Interment will begin at Haven of Rest Cemetery Beaumont, TX.
Dawn Trena' Jones was born into life on February 16, 1976, in Beaumont, Texas, to Joan and Merkel "MC" Jones. Raised in China, Texas, she was the eldest of their two children, proudly embracing her role as big sister when her brother, Charles, arrived two years later. Rooted in faith from childhood, Dawn was raised Catholic and accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age. As an adult, she continued her spiritual walk at Good Hope Church in Houston, Texas, where her devotion deepened and her service to others flourished.
A gifted student and natural leader, Dawn graduated cm laude from Hardin-Jefferson High School in 1994. During high school, she excelled academically while balancing a number of extracurricular activities including but not limited to basketball and playing the saxophone in the band. Dawn's professional journey was as dynamic as her spirit. She began her career in retail at DJ's, part of Merry Go Round Enterprises, where she became one of the company's top sellers and was inducted into the prestigious "Million Dollar Sales Club."
She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Houston, graduating cm laude in 1998, followed by a Master of Arts from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in 1999. She later completed PhD studies at the University of Houston, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to learning and excellence. She later served as an adjunct professor at Houston Baptist University while completing clinical studies at MHMRA as part of her Healthcare Administration master's program.
In 2007, Dawn joined Texas Children's Hospital, where she served for more than 16 years.
As a Senior Organization Development Specialist, she led performance management initiatives and played a pivotal role in launching Voyager. Her colleagues fondly recall her unmatched humor, quick wit, and ability to make even the most challenging training sessions enjoyable. "No one has been able to make people laugh while training on performance management since," they shared. "She was lion-hearted and would do anything for those she cared about."
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dawn was a woman of boundless generosity, philanthropy, and compassion. She volunteered throughout her life, giving freely of her time, talent, and heart. She loved to cook for others, embraced adventurous eating, and especially adored spicy foods and Asian cuisine. Her home was a reflection of her joy—beautifully decorated for every holiday and celebration.
Affectionately known as , Dawn had more than 35 years of pet-care experience and operated a thriving dog-sitting business. She often joked, "Furry babies are my favorite obsession—so much so that I've built a full-scale dog park in my backyard!" She rescued more than 70 stray dogs over the last decade, finding each one a loving, forever home. Her clients trusted her deeply, knowing their pets were in a nurturing, attentive, and loving environment.
A fitness enthusiast and excellent swimmer, Dawn also served as the aerobics instructor at 2111 Holly Hall for more than 21 years, inspiring countless individuals to pursue healthier lives.
Dawn was blessed to celebrate her 50th birthday jubilee on February 16, 2026.
Dawn was preceded in death by her father, Merkel "MC" Jones and by her two "fur-baby-boys" Rambo and Kujo. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving mother, Joan Jones; brother, Charles Jones; nephew Braylon Jones; maternal aunts, Carolyn Broussard, Vickie Jones (Terry aka Uncle Boo); paternal aunts, Mary Alice Jones, Velma Jones Young; paternal uncle, Melvin Jones; maternal uncles, Donald Harmon, Chris Harmon, and Anthony Harmon (Edith); her two fur babies, Bella and Harley, and a host of other cousins, close relatives and dear friends who will miss her deeply.
Though she had no children of her own, Dawn nurtured the lives of many-tamily, friends, colleagues, clients, neighbors, and especially the children she loved as her own. Her absence leaves a profound void, but her light, laughter, wisdom, and generosity will forever live in the hearts of all who knew her.
The family invites all who were touched by Dawn's life to join in celebrating her extraordinary legacy by volunteering, participating in community service efforts in your community, rescuing animals, and deepening your faith walk with Christ.
Proctor's Mortuary - Beaumont, is in charge of final arrangements, 3522 Washington Blvd. Beaumont, TX. 77705 (409) 840-2022.The guest book can be signed; words of comfort and condolences for the family can be left at www.proctorsmortuary.com
