Dawn Renae (Johnson) Morea, 67, of Alexis, IL, entered God’s Kingdom on July 3, 2023, in her home surrounded by loved ones. Dawn was born on May 28th, 1956, to Ray and Sharon Johnson in Britton, SD. The eldest of 6 children, she learned patience and kindness early on in life. She was active in the Girl Scouts growing up and a good friend to all who knew her. Dawn was an avid reader throughout her life, notorious for getting lost in a book. After graduating from Britton High School, she attended Augustana University in Sioux Falls, where she received her deaf educationdegree. While attending college she volunteered in the Big Sister and Big Brother program; she had plenty of experience with that!
She married Harvey Kewley right after college and they had 4 children, Lee, Joshua, Dustin, and Sarah. Being a mother meant the world to her. She taught at schools throughout South Dakota for many years before working for Ford Motor Credit. Her favorite job, however, was for Minnesota Relay Services which provided telecommunications for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have difficulty speaking. She met lifelong friends while working for the Relay.
When she was diagnosed with Hepatitis C, she became active in a Hep C support group and met her husband Wayne Morea, from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, through the group. She moved to Cape Cod, and they were married on August 30, 2008. Dawn loved the Cape and the vast ocean and beaches that surrounded it. She volunteered at multiple libraries, riding the bus, and making friends with the drivers and riders alike. No one was a stranger to Dawn!
Wayne and Dawn had recently moved to Alexis, IL and bought their dream home.Dawn was known for her positive attitude in any situation, and for being a devoted Jehovah’s Witness. Her ability to sacrifice, forgive and love will be forever rooted in all who knew her.
Dawn was preceded in death by her sister Jill Olson, beloved father-in-law Louis Morea, and stepdaughter Sarah Collins. Dawn is survived by her husband Wayne Morea, her sons Lee Kewley, Joshua Kewley, Dustin Kewley and daughter Sarah Kewley, stepsons David Morea, Michael Morea, and stepdaughter Ashley Morea. Parents, Ray and Sharon Johnson, brother Bruce (Kitty) Johnson, sisters Laurie (Wayne) Polzin, Tammy (Ken Dahl) Johnson, Jennie (John Niven) Johnson-Niven,and brother-inlaw Craig (Jill) Olson.
Memorial services to be announced for a later date in Britton, SD.
