Sandra "Dawn" McGlohon

ROCKY MOUNT – Sandra “Dawn” McGlohon, age 60, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026, following a near-19 year journey through metastatic breast cancer. Born in Asheboro, NC, on August 12, 1966, she was the daughter of the late Geraldine and Rod McGlohon.

Dawn was also preceded in death by her precious grandniece, Paisley Ann McGlohon; her beloved grandparents, Thomas and Dixie Smith and Solomon and Aileen McGlohon; and a lifetime of adored fur babies including Mr. T and Yeti.

Dawn is survived by her husband of 26 years, Jim King; their son Luke King and girlfriend Ari Cowart; her brother Allen McGlohon and his wife Gayle; nephew Patrick McGlohon and his wife Kathlina; her Aunt Jeanette McMillan; sister-in-law Theresa King; in-laws Doug and Lorraine King; and her treasured friends including two middle school besties Robin Latham and Priti Lalka, high school bestie Lynn Pardue, college roommate bestie Traci Claywell, and special neighbor-friends Amy Dzinbal and Ann Creech. She valued each and every additional friendship long or short – several are lovingly noted below for their participation in Dawn’s many adventures. Many cousins, extended family, in-laws, and friends will also treasure her memory.

Dawn was always an organizer, an activist, a scholar, and a friend. Her love for others transcended everything she did. Throughout her life, Dawn loved to dance, to laugh, to meet new people, and most of all, to give of herself in any capacity she could, with no expectations of reciprocity.

Her involvement in civic and school organizations goes back to her elementary school days when she was a Brownie and Junior Girl Scout. Throughout middle and high school, Dawn was progressively more active in honor societies, the softball team – typically playing shortstop, volleyball team, theatrical productions, student government – also serving the region on the Eastern District Student Council, the Rocky Mount Juniorettes as president and “Most Outstanding Youth”, and the Rocky Mount Youth Council. She attended Governor’s School at Salem College. She competed in the local Junior Miss Pageant where her talent featured skills learned as a member of the award-winning Northern Nash Senior High School Marching Band Flagline. Dawn competed on the Quiz Bowl Team locally and on the State level. Additionally, in high school, Dawn was a member of the Air Force Junior ROTC where she served as a Commander. Dawn was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by her senior class peers, and she graduated as Salutatorian.

A 1988 graduate of Wake Forest University, Dawn majored in Psychology and minored in Theater. She had prominent roles in several college productions such as Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Passion Play. An Honors English scholar, she pursued her interests in English and the humanities by taking several courses taught by the Reynolds Professor of American Studies, Dr. Maya Angelou.

Dawn was a popular student; whether in the classroom, dorm lounge, intramural courts, or athletic stands, she was the ultimate relationship builder, organizing large groups of ticket holders for Saturday football home games. She worked at the WFDD Radio Station writing ads and scripts and selecting favorite tunes. During her last semester of senior year, she was selected to live in the Worrell House in London, England, with the Theatre Department. From there, she spent her break traveling solo across Europe visiting several countries before returning to WFU to graduate.

Dawn was a long time member of Marvin United Methodist Church in Rocky Mount NC. She participated fully in church activities such as VBS, attended Camp Junaluska many times, and played piano for Sunday School services as a teenager and young adult. In recent years, Dawn and her husband have been members of Englewood Assembly of God in Rocky Mount where they helped with VBS and participated in other church activities. Dawn loved to share her faith with others – often quoting a favorite Bible verse, singing along with a hymn, or giving a lovely spiritual gift.

A member and officer in the Rocky Mount Jaycees, she loved helping with the annual haunted house fundraiser and the booth at the Rocky Mount Fair. Interestingly, as a Jayceee, Dawn met the love of her life, Jim – also an active Jaycee – and their relationship blossomed during the Fair Booth project in the early 1990s.

Inspired by her beloved mother, Dawn became involved in the political process. She volunteered for several Democratic candidates’ campaigns and was incredibly vocal in defense of justice, equality, and human and animal rights. She most recently volunteered with the Nash County Democratic Party to prepare canvassing literature and make calls during the 2024 election cycle. She would wear her “Vote” tee shirt proudly every election cycle, encouraging others to get to the polls and vote.

Dawn worked for NC Wesleyan and American Speedy Printing (now Allegra) when she returned home after college. She later founded Computer Connections at Tarrytown Mall. Following the devastating Hurricane Floyd, Dawn and her crew reopened the shop on W. Thomas Street where it thrived until her “retirement” in 2023. Her employees often became dear friends. Dawn can be credited with giving a boost to so many young people – several of whom went on to become business owners, instructors, and even a college vice president. Rana Mallah, now a flight attendant, remains a treasured friend.

In 2020, seeing a growing need for animal rescue in the area, Dawn helped to create Carolina Animal Network with her dear friend Wendy Newcombe. Together, with dozens of volunteers, they rescued and placed hundreds of dogs and cats with fosters and forever homes. Dawn treasured this part of her life which allowed her to promote spay and neuter programs, save precious animals, and bring the joy of pets to adopting families. When Dawn no longer could be as active in the organization, another dear friend, Pam Dawes, stepped up to partner with Wendy in CAN. The rescue continues to be successful through the efforts of wonderful friends such as Connie Lilley and Janelle Brinkley and the network of volunteers throughout the region. Dawn persevered to support the efforts through social media and fundraising efforts.

A few years ago, following his roadside rescue by Ann Creech, Mr. T, a young pit-mix pup, captured Dawn’s heart. Mr. T was Dawn’s fearless companion until his passing about a year ago. Dawn had always been more of a cat person until sweet T entered her world. Dawn treasured her kitties as well, caring for those with special needs when others might have given up. Her loving BatCat was still by her side during hospice care.

Dawn was vivacious, adventurous, and determined. She loved watching collegiate sports and contest shows like The Voice, getting the right answers to trivia questions – especially Jeopardy, solving problems, traveling, attending concerts – especially her American Idol favorite Scotty McCreery, taking in plays and performances at the Imperial Centre, and spending time with everyone she loved. Whether it was a trip to Las Vegas with her husband, the NC mountains with her son and husband, a girl’s trip to Paris with two besties, or just a ride “uptown”, Dawn was always ready to go! Her enthusiasm made every adventure more meaningful for all.

Her laugh was infectious, and her smile lit up any room. She truly embodied joy no matter how she felt physically. She knew that sharing joy was the most priceless gift.

She loved the outdoors. Taught exceptional fishing skills by her Dad, Dawn spent many hours on piers at the ocean. In the recent decades, Dawn attended the Casting Carolinas Retreat Program at Lake Logan NC where she practiced fly casting and catching rainbow and brown trout with her fellow cancer buddies. She had truly wanted to go to that beloved place of relaxation and joy one more time October 9-11, but she had begun hospice care shortly before.

Of all of these things, nothing was more precious to Dawn than her son Luke. Her greatest wish was to live long enough to see him reach the milestones in his life. He will continue to thrive and achieve with his biggest fan looking on.
Dawn looked out for the vulnerable among us, not just puppies and kittens, but people, too.

In her presence, everyone would feel that they were the most important person in her life. She was a fearless, feisty, and formidable force of nature, and she will be forever in our hearts.

A Celebration of Dawn’s life will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Englewood Assembly of God, 2181 S. Halifax Road, Rocky Mount, with Pastor Gerry Blood officiating. Visitation will take place from 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Englewood Assembly of God.

The family would like to say a special thanks to all Dawn’s doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Duke University Hospital and Clinics, Southpoint Rehabilitation, Nash County Emergency Services, UNC Nash Hospital, Eastern Medical, ECU Hospital Cancer Center, and Transitions Lifecare Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Dawn’s memory to Carolina Animal Network (CarolinaAnimalNetwork.org), to The American Cancer Society, or to the Children’s and Youth programs at Englewood Assembly of God in Rocky Mount.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.