Dawn A. Cline, 81, of Fleming Island, FL, formerly of Jacksonville, FL, passed away on 01/25/2025. She was surrounded by the family she loved so dearly, leaving behind a legacy of humility, kindness, and compassion.
Dawn was born on 10/07/1943 in Jacksonville, FL. She graduated from Lee High School in 1960 and from St. Vincent’s School of Nursing in 1963.
Dawn began her nursing career at St. Vincent’s and Riverside Hospital in the ICU Department, later working at Orange Park Hospital as a surgical nurse for many years. Her nursing career extended beyond the hospital into multiple physician’s offices in Orange Park, where she continued her lifelong commitment to helping others.
She was a Master Gardener in Clay County and had a deep passion for plants and nature. Her love for gardening extended beyond her own backyard, as she volunteered her time to educate and inspire others to garden and care for the environment.
Dawn’s passing leaves an unfillable space in the hearts of those who loved her. She was the heart of her family, and loved and cherished beyond measure. Though her physical presence is gone, her love remains in every shared memory, every kindness paid forward, and every heart she touched along the way. Her gentle spirit and unwavering generosity made the world a brighter place, and her absence will be deeply felt.
She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Frederick H. Cline of Fleming Island, FL., Brother, Roy Finklea (Sharon), of Jacksonville, FL., Daughter, Lynda Avera (Joseph), of Aiken, SC., Grandson, Zachary Avera, of Jacksonville, FL., Granddaughter, Jennifer Avera, of Charlotte, NC.
She leaves behind stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who lived at a distance, but were close at heart: Cynthia Buzby (Paul), Gainesville, VA; E. Michael Cline (Bobbi), Jacksonville, NC; Debra Green (Bill), Vineland, NJ; Susanne Grant (Doug), Laura Ney (Michael), Vineland, NJ, Phenix, AZ; and Teresa Hofstetter (Tom), Valdosta, GA., Grandchildren: 21, Great-Grandchildren: 26 . She was preceded in death by her father, Ernest Finklea, her mother, Evelyn Finklea, and her brother, Gary Finklea. In appreciation of the compassionate and outstanding care provided by Community Hospice of Jacksonville, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Dawn’s memory.
