On September 3, 1967, Dawn Mercedes Smith was born in Tallahassee, Florida, to the late Sylvia Morris Johnson and the late Percy Johnson. Sylvia named her only daughter Dawn as that was the favorite part of her day. Dawn was later adopted by Harold Smith upon his marriage to Sylvia.
Dawn graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Economics/Business Administration from Florida A&M University (FAMU) in 1990. She later received her master’s degree in Library and Information Studies from the University of South Florida in 1995. Dawn was inspired to become a librarian by her grandmother, the late Mrs. Alverta Nevels Morris, who was a librarian for over three decades at FAMU and is recognized on the Wall of Distinction in the University’s Coleman Library.
In 1995, Dawn started working as the government documents librarian at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Libraries and soon became head of government documents. Within five years, Dawn was promoted to head of the Reference Department. She spearheaded multiple initiatives and workflows, from improving student experience, to creating a warm and friendly library. Dawn was soon after promoted to assistant dean of Public Services, where she implemented numerous protocols to help advance library services and promote safety. After 28 years of service at FAU libraries and our community, Dawn retired on August 31, 2023, as Assistant Dean for University Libraries at FAU.
Dawn greatly loved FAU, librarianship, and the people she worked with. She was a leader who believed in kindness and compassion. Additionally, Dawn was a lifelong and voracious reader; her favorite genre was science fiction. She enjoyed a strong bourbon, loved to cheer on the FAMU Rattlers football team, and was fascinated with the Titanic story and history. She loved the theater, was a devoted Daughter of the King at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church and a member of the church vestry. Dawn made the best deviled eggs and sweet potato pies. She was a cheerleader, mentor, colleague, and beloved friend to many.
She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy her brother, Keith Miles (Kaylor), Tallahassee, Florida; two aunts, Zellene Morris and Ingrid King, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; four nieces, Taylor Miles, Tallahassee, Florida; Aaliya Brielle, Atlanta, Georgia; Lorian and Khristin Miles, Tallahassee, Florida; one nephew, Korbin Miles, Tallahassee, Florida; cousins, Christopher Morris (Ebony), Atlanta, Georgia, Travis Morris (Nicole), Atlanta, Georgia, Tyrone Morris (Margaret), and Lynne Morris, West Palm Beach, Florida; close family friends Mitchell Smith (Kimberly), Atlanta; Victoria Thur, (Boynton Beach); and many friends and colleagues.
