Vanard A. "Tony" Dawkins, III, 57, of New Britain, died Wednesday, (March 14, 2007) at the Hospital of Central CT at New Britain General. Tony was born in New Britain, and was the son of the late Vanard A. Dawkins, Jr. and Etta C. (Johnson) Dawkins. He worked as an assistant cook for the Human Resources Agency, New Britain. Tony, a gifted vocalist, was a very active member of Bethesda Apostolic Church, New Britain, Ct., where he was President of the Men's Ministry, served on the Pastor's Aide and Usher Board, he was also a member of the church choir.

Tony was a member of the NAACP and the New Britain Black Democratic Club. He served as Secretary on the New Britain Board of Education. Tony was the former owner of EC Curl Coiffures, New Britain. Tony is survived by his son, Jonathan Dawkins of North Carolina; two brothers, Robert A. Dawkins and his wife, Denise, and Mark A. Dawkins; his sister, Monica A. Dawkins, all of New Britain. Eight beloved Godchildren, Calvin Foster of Atlanta, GA, Tyrone Aiken of Windsor, Larisa Carr and her husband, Michael of East Hartford, Jamil G. Thomas of Waterbury, Sharnise Beal of New Britain, Crystal Jones of Atlanta, GA, Katrina Priester of Plainville, and Kris Childs; a host of cousins, including, Andrew Mayo and his wife, Glendora of Alabama, Harold Mayo and his wife, Vertron of Windsor, Paul Mayo of New Canaan, and Jayne Bell-Burton of Meriden.

Homegoing Celebration for Tony will be held Monday, March 19, at 11 a.m. from Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, 25 Crestwood Lane, New Britain, with the Suffragan Bishop John H. Thomas, presiding. Committal service and final resting place will be in Fairview Cemetery, Smalley Street, New Britain. Relatives and friends may call at Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, Sunday from 5-7 p.m. and Monday from 10-11 a.m. Flowers will be accepted at the church Sunday from 2- 4 p.m.

To extend condolences to the Dawkins Family, please visit our website at www.shakerfuneralhome.com. Service of Comfort provided by the Paul A. Shaker/Farmingdale Funeral Home, 764 Farmington Avenue, New Britain. Published in the Hartford Courant on 3/16/2007.