Dawn Alethea Behrens

Dawn Alethea Cawthon Behrens, 74, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, passed away Thursday, December 19, 2024.

Funeral Services will be held in Stillwater at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Dighton Marler Funeral Home, 5106 N. Washington St, with Rev. J. Michael Matkin officiating. The service will be followed by a reception and time of fellowship at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 516 W. Third Ave.

Dawn was born September 18, 1950, in Wichita Falls, TX to the late Ralph Wesley Cawthon and Golda Lee (Bailey) Cawthon. Through her father's Air Force service, Dawn called many places home during her childhood–including England, Germany, and several states. After graduating high school, she moved to Oklahoma to attend Southern Nazarene University (then Bethany Nazarene College) and later finished her bachelor's degree at the University of Central Oklahoma and completed a Masters in Theatre at Oklahoma State University. Her life could be best summed up by her favorite quote from Les Brown, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” 

Dawn brought her talents and creative spirit to everything she did. She was a long-time teacher, author, artist, actor and beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Dawn had a gypsy soul, never staying in one place too long. However, she was also a woman of community. Through the years, she has been a valued member of many communities of faith–Lakeview Church of the Nazarene in Wichita Falls, TX, St. Mark’s United Methodist in Bethany, OK, and her current home in St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. 

She was also an active member of many creative communities. From the Sweet Adelines acapella barbershop chorus in OKC, The Pollard Theater in Guthrie, sculpture and painting exhibitions at Modella Gallery in Stillwater, to community and professional theaters across the nation, she has been a passionate and professional contributor to the arts all her life. Her longest and most beloved home was with the community theater in Stillwater, Town and Gown. Here, she rekindled her love of theater after a several year absence to care for her parents. Dawn also had a close relationship with Oklahoma State University. She was a graduate of the Theatre Department, worked with the Art Department, continued as a house mom for two sororities, and worked most recently in the OSU Registrar's Office.

Dawn made an impression everywhere she went. She was bold and sensitive, kind and fiery. If you met her, you remembered her. She always had a song in her heart and a serenade for her family and friends.

Dawn was preceded in death by a brother, Jonathan David Cawthon in 2008.

She is survived by her children, Heather Koerner and husband, Kevin, of Owasso, OK, and Pamela Fortney and husband, Kyle, of Stillwater, OK. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Madison and Andy Koerner, and Tristan Fortney. She is also survived by siblings, Anita Moody and husband, David, and Stephen W. Cawthon and wife, Shelby. 

Dawn lived a life full of stories. Her family is gathering them in remembrance. If you would like to share a story, picture, or condolences, please email DawnBehrensMemory@gmail.com.

Memorial donations can be made to Town and Gown Community Theatre https://www.townandgown.org.