Edith Dabbs taught English as a Second Language (ESL) and citizenship classes for almost five decades, from 1956 to 2003, in the Continuing and Adult Education Division of the San Diego Community College District. In 1983 she established a scholarship for graduating, low-income mothers who are sole support of their children, of which there have been dozens of recipients. She received a 2004 San Diego City Council Commendation Award from Judy McCarty and a 2003 Community Distinguished Citizen Award from the Kiwanis Club. She also devoted decades of service to the San Diego Woman's Club (including President), the Allied Gardens Woman's Club, the Allied Gardens Community Council and many other organizations. This bridge builder of multicultural understanding died in 2009.