MARYDEL - Dawn Lynn Ivory passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at Kent General Hospital in Dover with her loving family by her side. Dawn was born on May 2, 1971 in Dover. She is the second child of six, the oldest daughter of John W. & Carolyn (Hitchens) Thomas of Marydel. She was a graduate of Caesar Rodney High School, Class of 1989 and received her Master's Degree in Education from Wilmington College. She taught at Caesar Rodney and Milford School Districts. Recently, Dawn became a Certified Nursing Assistant and was currently employed by Addus HomeCare. Dawn was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church, Marydel, Md. She is survived by her four children, Damen of Marydel, Dunovan of Middletown, and Daphne & Dathan of Marydel; four brothers, Matthew Thomas (Jean) of Marydel, Andrew Thomas of Marydel, Mark Thomas (Jessica) of Marydel, and Luke Thomas and his fiancé, Kelsey Mitchell of Wyoming; and a sister, Kimberly Tootell (Jared) of Hoboken, N.J.; three nephews, Hunter Thomas, Cruz Tootell, and Jameson Thomas; two nieces, Summer & Zoe Thomas; her loving companion, Charles Kashner; her Dachshund, Ken; and extended family and friends. Dawn grew up on a dairy farm with a large family, which meant there was always work to be done and there was always someone there to make you smile when you needed it most. It was during these early years that Dawn developed a sense of humor that could make any chore an experience to remember. Dawn will forever be remembered for her uncanny ability to care for anyone she knew that needed a friend or a shoulder to cry on. Dawn's greatest gift to those she leaves behind are her four loving, gracious, and beautiful children. She will no doubt be watching from above and cheering them on in all that they accomplish in their lives. She supported her children with unconditional love and considered being a Mom her most important role. Some of Dawn's proudest moments in life were made on the sidelines of football, baseball, & basketball games, cheer competitions, and motor cross events. It is with this sense of adventure and youthful energy that her children will continue to live and honor her memory with both full and rich lives. Dawn's infectious laugh, caring smile and warm heart will be missed dearly by all of those who loved her. Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb., 12, 2015 in the Pippin Funeral Home, 119 West Camden-Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming. A celebration of Dawn's fruitful life will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb., 13, 2015 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Thomas Chapel Cemetery, Chapeltown. Flowers are appreciated, but for those that wish, donations can be sent to the Ivory Children's Fund, c/o Calvary United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 307, Marydel, Md. 21649. Letters of condolences can be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com