Elder Dr. Mitchell LeRay Dawkins, Sr.

Favorite scripture: For I am Persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. A TIME TO LIVE: Elder/Dr. Mitchell L. Dawkins Sr., D.D. was born in West Palm Beach, Florida on August 15, 1955 to Frank LeRay Dawkins and Mother Harriette D. James. A TIME FOR EDUCATION: He moved to Orlando at a very young age, matriculated through the Orange County Public school system, and went on to graduate from Maynard Evans High School. He served in the Navy from 1975 to 1977. After leaving the Navy he attended Albany State University and Florida Seminary of Lakeland Florida where he received his Bachelor and Masters in Theology. He later was awarded his Doctorate of Divinity degree from St. Thomas Christian College in 2005. A TIME TO WORSHIP: Elder/Dr. Mitchell L. Dawkins, Sr., D.D. started his relationship with God at the Antioch P. B. Church of Orlando under the leadership of Elder W. D. Judge. He was called to serve as the pastor of the New Warner Chapel Primitive Baptist Church in Winter Park, Florida in 1992 where he has served for over 22 years. He and his wife, First Lady Melanie Y. Dawkins, have dedicated their entire being to the followers of Christ at New Warner Chapel. Aside from serving as Pastor of New Warner Chapel, Elder Dawkins served in several other capacities including: President of the South Florida Progressive Primitive Baptist Church School Convention; President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Fellowship of Winter Park; Chaplain of the City of Winter Park Police Department; Bible Expositor of South Florida District Union #1; and Chairman of the Board of Evangelism for the State of Florida Primitive Baptist Convention. Most importantly, Elder Dawkins is a true Man of God who was saved, sanctified, and Spirit-led. If you ever had an opportunity to meet him you would be able to truthfully attest that “I’m Yours Lord” is not a catch phrase for Elder Mitchell L. Dawkins, Sr., It was the truth. He completely gave himself to Christ and wanted the world to know it. A TIME FOR FAMILY: Although Elder/Dr. Dawkins spent a large portion of his time serving God and the followers of God, he still made time to be a loving husband and a wonderful father. He leaves to cherish his memories; a loving and supportive wife of 21 years, Mother Melanie Dawkins, whom he commonly referred to as his gift from God. Children; Mesha Tomlin, (husband Jason) James Rivers, Latoya Dawkins, Dexter Rivers, (wife Sarah) Herschel Rivers (wife Melanie), Sade’ Garcia, Mitchell Dawkins II, (wife Breanna) Shandylier Dawkins, Joshua Dawkins, Caleb Dawkins, Devarius Dawkins, Alex Dawkins. A loving Mother, Harriette D. James, Brothers, Darryl Dawkins (wife Janice) Harold Dawkins, Troy Dawkins (wife Irene). Sisters, Lashawncia Merchant, Amanda Clay. Grandchildren Dexter Desequel Rivers, Alison Rivers, Mariah Boyd, Janiah Boyd, Jordyn Dawkins, Faith Dawkins. In-laws, Tracy Lewis, Dexter Lewis, Eric Lewis (wife Sherilyn); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and sorrowing friends. Elder/Dr. Dawkins was preceded in death by In-laws, Dwight Lewis and Sonya Garcia.

Tributes

Elder Dr. Mitchell LeRay Dawkins, Sr.

August 15, 1955 - February 28, 2014