Dixie Rose Jackson

Dixie Rose Jackson, 84, passed away November 14, 2024, she was born April 4, 1940, in Corliss, West Virginia to Zed and Virginia (Anderson) Lilly. She graduated from Nutall High School in Lookout, West Virginia. She moved to Hammond, Indiana shortly after graduation and attended business college before joining the United States Air Force.

Dixie was assigned to the airbase group where she served as the group commander’s secretary at Andrew’s Air Force Base in Silver Spring, Maryland. During her service at Andrew’s, she participated in numerous off base events, the most notable of which was marching in President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural parade.

Dixie was an adventurous young woman and wanted to be involved in as many on-base activities as possible. She took a sky diving class but dropped it before she ever jumped because she learned the Air Force wouldn’t pay for any injury sustained while jumping or perhaps, we should say while landing. She was also a member of an on-base acting group, a short one-play career where she was a dancer, along with five other ladies. She also developed a love for jazz and classical music during her stint in the Air Force when she escorted officers’ wives to seating at live performances and was captivated by the orchestra’s performance.

She never considered herself a teacher, but “stood in the gap” teaching 3rd grade, high school, college age and adult Sunday School. She continued to serve God, Her Holy Father and Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior, as a member of First Baptist Church Lorena, while she continued to be involved in the life of the First Baptist Church of Eddy.

Dixie and Johnnie reared their family in Arlington, Texas. She retired from the City of Dallas where she worked in the Parks and Recreation Department, the Mayor’s Office, Public Works and the City Council Office.

Dixie is preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie; her son, Johnnie “JJ”, her parents Zed and Virginia; brother Zed; sisters Juanita Evans, and Inez DePriest; niece Cynthis Lilly; nephew Daniel Evans; step-sons, Bruce and Andy.

Dixie was grieved to leave her daughter La Donna and Phil Reyna, step-daughter, Sherry and Jim Sigmon; step-grands; sister Regina Rider; sister-in-law Jois Lilly; nephews and nieces, friends and sisters and brothers in Christ. She looks forward to being reunited in heaven.

A Graveside service will be held at Moore Memorial Gardens, 1219 N. Davis Drive Arlington, Texas 76012 on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM.

The staff at Moore Funeral Home encourages family and friends to express their fond memories, expressions of sympathy and additional condolences to the family of Dixie Rose Jackson, by visiting www.moore-funeralhome.com.

In addition, the family requests memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church Lorena or a charity of your choice instead of flowers.