MARCELLA JEHL DAWSON Passed away in her home on Thursday, September 4, 2003. She was at complete peace with God, her family and the world around her. She provided the backbone of our family and will be missed immensely. The memories of her strength of character and devotion to her family will last forever. Marcella was born on March 18th, 1941 in San Antonio, Texas, the oldest child of Marcella Jehl and Karl Gerchsheimer. Her family moved to Wurzburg, Germany, at the end of World War II and then returned to live in East Bernard, Texas. She graduated from Rice University and married Charles Rapier Dawson in 1963. She and Rap settled in Houston and raised a happy and loving family. She is remembered by all as being dedicated, strong, and hard working. She lived her life simply and was committed to having a positive impact on the lives of those around her. Marcella is survived by her husband Rap; her four children and their spouses, Marcella and Daniel Watkins, Carl Rapier 'Bo' and Kathleen, Felix Jehl and Deborah, and John Rapier and fiance Mary Saunders Dilg; grandchildren Emily, Margaret, and Sydney Watkins, Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Dawson, and Erica, Rhett and Helen Dawson; and her sisters Carlota Sweeney and Heidi O'Keefe. There will be a Memorial Mass followed by a reception at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer Rd. @ Shepherd at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12th 2003. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Marcella's name to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas at 510 East Anderson Lane, Austin, Texas 78752; (512)339-1997.