Dawnelle Nicole “Dawn” Lewison (Johnson), age 51, of Beresford, South Dakota, passed away on November 28, 2025, surrounded by love and family. Born on May 13, 1974, in Springfield, Missouri, Dawn brought light and laughter into the world from the very beginning.

Dawn was a woman whose warmth and compassion touched everyone she met. Known for her kindness and unwavering care for others, she had a remarkable ability to lift spirits with her infectious smile and quick wit. Whether offering a heartfelt compliment or lending a helping hand, Dawn made it her mission to brighten the lives of those around her.

Her love for music was a lifelong passion. From concerts to local events, she found joy in sharing these experiences with those she loved most. Music was more than entertainment—it was a way for Dawn to connect deeply with others and celebrate life’s moments both big and small.

Later in life, Dawn fulfilled a long-held dream of owning and riding motorcycles—a passion she shared with her husband, Loren Lewison. Whether it was a short ride to the mailbox or an adventure across the state with friends and loved ones, every journey was embraced with enthusiasm and joy.

Family was at the heart of everything Dawn did. Her four granddaughters—Zoe, Eve, Jasper, and Bellamy VanNoort—were the center of her world. Known affectionately as “Grrmoma,” Dawn cherished every moment spent with them. From daily check-ins to weekly traditions and countless shared memories, she poured her heart into creating a legacy of love that will live on through them.

Dawn also leaves behind her husband Loren Lewison; her children: sons Joseph VanNoort and Samuel VanNoort (Makayla), and daughter Aschlie Zoss (Cooper); father Ross Johnson; her brother Samuel Littrell III (Lora); her sister Jody Johnson; niece Gloria Littrell; nephews Brendan Littrell (Wrenleigh), Nicholas Mckusick (Rachel and Tahliya), and Vincent Peltier; aunt Karen Larson; uncle Eric Johnson (Lori); special friend Marci Edberg as well as many extended family members and friends who were blessed by her presence.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother Sharon Johnson and birth father Samuel Littrell Jr., with whom she is now reunited.

Dawn’s life was filled with simple joys—card games around the table, evenings by the fire, camping trips under the stars, decorating for every occasion, telling jokes that left everyone laughing, listening to music that stirred the soul—and above all else, making sure those around her felt truly seen and loved.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at Brooklyn Evangelical Free Church in Beresford on January 17, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., honoring both Dawn’s beautiful spirit and her reunion with her mother on what would have been Sharon’s birthday. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, gifts can also be made out to Brooklyn church for continuation of Christian unity in Dawn's memory.

May Dawn’s memory continue to bring comfort to all who knew her. Her legacy of love, laughter, music, and unwavering devotion lives on in every heart she touched. 

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