Erin Dawson

"It is with a broken heart that I share that Erin, my wife and friend, wonderful mom to our children, and 'practicing perfectionist,' has passed away. Please hug and tell everyone you love, that you love them. Then, share a story of Erin and a prayer now that she has found peace in the eternal kingdom."

Erin Leigh Shields Dawson lived a life full of warmth and laughter. She gave her whole heart to the people in her life, and nothing brought her more pride or fulfillment than being Erich's wife and a mom to Ethan and Eva. Her family was the heartbeat of her world, and being a mother to Ethan and Eva was her greatest joy and life's purpose.

Born and raised in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, Erin grew up in a loving home with her parents and two sisters. She graduated from Vestavia Hills High School in 1995 and went on to earn a marketing degree from Auburn University in 1999. It was during her professional career at BWA Additives that she met her husband, Erich Martin Dawson. Together, they built a life grounded in love, faith, laughter, and devotion to their children.

After the birth of Ethan and Eva, Erin chose to dedicate herself fully to motherhood. She was also an accomplished photographer, capturing the beauty of life around her with an eye for emotion and connection. Her camera was simply another way she expressed her deep love for the people and world around her. In time, Erin also began helping with marketing efforts for Ru-Wood, lending her creative talents and thoughtful perspective to support the family's business.

Erin will be remembered for her infectious laugh, caring heart, and her incredible talent for organizing just about anything. She was deeply involved in Ethan and Eva's soccer lives, often volunteering with their teams and rarely missing a game. Erin deeply cherished her many circles of friendship, including their "framily," the TYSA community, and the group of moms she bonded with through her children. She found joy and support in each of these connections and gave as much love as she received.

She is survived by her husband, Erich Martin Dawson, and her beloved children and greatest treasures, Ethan Martin Dawson and Eva Rose Dawson.

She is also survived by her parents, Robert L. Shields III and Bonnie Murray Shields of Birmingham, Alabama; her sisters, Robyn Shields Herring (Bridges) and Rebecca Anne Shields of Birmingham, Alabama; her nieces, Evynne, Elly, and Emersyn Herring; her mother-in-law, Carol Knape Dawson of Arlington, Virginia; her brother-in-law, Karl Conrad Dawson (Kaitlyn); and her nieces and nephew, Clare, Lily, and James Dawson.

A Memorial and Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Decatur City Church, 1995 Clairmont Road, Decatur, Georgia 30033. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, with additional time to greet the family following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to a charity of your choice or to the Be Rich Campaign of Decatur City Church, a cause close to Erin and Erich's heart. One hundred percent of donations support community partners in Decatur. More information about the Be Rich Campaign can be found at https://berich.org. If you would like to make a contribution in Erin's memory, you may use the link at https://tinyurl.com/yc2ewtws.