Mrs. Laura Dawnelle Simmons McClam was born early on the morning of November 8, 1971 in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. She was the firstborn of Fernwell and Ferndena W. Simmons. On Wednesday, January 16, 2013 late in the evening, after a brief illness, the God of our Salvation quickly reached down and unlocked the gates to set her free and she quietly flew away to dwell with the Lord. Dawn was a graduate of Berkeley High School, Class of 1990. She also did further studies at Shaw University, Raleigh, North Carolina. At an early age, she joined Greater St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church where she was a member of the Church School Department and sang on the Young Adult Choir. In 1993, Dawn was joined in Holy Wedlock to Mr. Dewarginee McClam. This union was blessed with one daughter. After the marriage ended, she devoted herself to caring for her daughter. She did the best that she knew how to do. While being held at the Camille Graham Correctional Institution in Columbia, SC, Dawn rededicated her life to the Lord. She attended weekly bible study and Sunday worship services and sang on the Gospel Choir. To date, she had received ten certificates of completion from the International Bible Studies. An excerpt from a letter she wrote a few weeks ago reads: "I have an urge and a fervent desire to learn more of the word of God so that I can apply them to my life. I am waiting on guidance from the Holy Spirit so that I can give my testimony." She enrolled in computer classes and used her time for self-improvement. When asked how she was doing, her reply without fail was "I am blessed and highly favored." Like Job, she would say: "Though he slay me, yet will I serve Him." Dawn had a good heart. Just this past year, there was a young woman in her building who did not have shoes to wear. Having no means of her own, Dawn knew just who to call and was instrumental in securing a pair of shoes for this woman who was most appreciative. She came to realize that where you live does not dictate who or whose you are. A loving mother, daughter and friend, she leaves to celebrate who she really was: her daughter who loved her very much, Miss Sherita McClam of North Charleston, SC; her devoted parents, Mr. Fernwell and Mrs. Ferndena W. Simmons; her brother, Mr. Jeffrey Simmons; her sister, Mrs. Michelle Weathers all of Moncks Corner, SC; three nieces; one nephew; nine aunts; eight uncles; two grandaunts; one granduncle; one great grandaunt; and a host of other relatives and friends.