My sweet sister passed on the night of February 7th, 2026 after suffering from frontal temporal lobe dementia for the past few years. It’s a horrible heartbreaking disease which was brought on by a brain tumor, removed in 2015, which caused trauma to her brain. She faced the challenges of this disease with resilience and grace.

Dr. Dawn Stephanie Wilson was born on January 18, 1959, in Savannah, GA.  Holding a doctorate degree, my sister served as a professor at Chico State University in Chico, California where her commitment to education touched the lives of countless students. Yet it was the role, for over 10 years, as Research Director of the Southwestern Research Station in Portal, Arizona, that truly captured her heart. Dawn brought energy and rigor to her work, pioneering research on Gopher Tortoises that enriched the scientific community’s knowledge of these remarkable creatures.  Her family will miss her independence and spunky personality.

Dawn leaves behind,

Her sister, Lisa (John) Cahill.

Nephews, Adam (Katie) Cahill and Noah (August) Cahill.

Cousins, Michael (Melissa) Lifsey and Matthew (Dea) Lifsey.

Cousins, Matthew Lifsey, Ransome Lifsey, and Mary Elizabeth (Dawn) Lifsey.

Her friend Kristina Schierenbeck of California, whose unwavering support and presence were a source of comfort.

Her beloved pets who were her treasured companions and brought joy to her daily life.

Dawn was a vibrant tapestry of intellect, courage, and compassion. Her contributions to science and education continue to inspire, and her spirit remains alive in the hearts of her family, friends, colleagues, and the many she influenced along the way. She will be profoundly missed and fondly remembered.

A special thank you to the staff at Carington Manor and Peoples Hospice in Crestview, for the God sent care and compassion they gave to my sister and our family.

There will be a private celebration of life for family at a later date.