Dixie Converse Wade

Dixie Wade, a woman of captivating beauty and unwavering determination passed away peacefully at the age of 95. She was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and grew up in Ormond Beach, Florida. She married and gave birth to her four children in Spartanburg, South Carolina, then lived in Atlanta for 55 years.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Dixie's upbringing instilled in her an admirable work ethic and a longing for more, a drive to seek out the finer things in life. Her mother's sacrifices paved the way for Dixie to receive her Bachelor of Arts from Converse College, where she pursued her passion for music – a legacy she bequeathed to her children and grandchildren. Her melodious voice graced the stage of Converse opera house, but it was in the intimate setting of Spartanburg Little Theater where she found her true joy. In turn, she sacrificed greatly for her children, being a single mother for some time and always putting others’ needs ahead of her own. She raised four children and nurtured six stepchildren.

As a mother, she bore the weight of unimaginable loss when her eldest daughter died at 27 in an automobile accident. She also survived her two younger sisters and her beloved husband.

A true force of nature, Dixie was not one to be confined by age or circumstance. She owned her sharp wit, biting humor, and fierce intelligence, illuminating every room she entered with her presence. Whether engaging in a game of Duplicate Bridge as a Life Master or delighting in the company of loved ones over a deck of cards, Dixie shared her infectious laughter and talents. She loved a dry martini and a great bottle of French Burgundy.

Dixie approached life with an unyielding spirit, refusing to let illness dictate her days. Her determination and her sheer will to live inspired all who knew her, including a slew of Emory medical students. Her willfulness was at times a button pusher, but it only inspired her loved ones to be better - to themselves, their family, and to Dixie.

Her love languages of Quality Time and Acts of Service defined Dixie as exemplified by her decades long career as a social worker, helping other mothers in need. She reveled in hosting her family for deceptively long dinner parties, spent hours shopping for that perfect gift or another addition to the gift closet, was known for gourmet meals and epic Easter baskets, forewent her own luxuries to afford her children music and athletic lessons and equipment, attended every grandchild’s birthday party she was able, and devoted her time to the lost art of handwritten letters and notes.

She had a love for animals and most always had a kitty by her side.

Dixie was predeceased by her parents Carl Rancour Converse and Mildred Loretta Nichols Lee; her sisters, Lylah Lou Gillespie and Anna Mae Akins; her daughter, Anna Converse Harris; and her adoring husband of 44 years, Richard Lee Wade. She is survived by her children: Robin Harris Billet (David), Raymond Arthur Harris (Monique), Christy Harris Harralson (Jefferson); her stepchildren Susan Gay Reynolds, Ginger Patrice Wade, Shey Fisher, Julie Loren Burke, Richard Randall Wade; her grandchildren Anna Billet Sullivan, Melissa Billet Schoonover, Shannon Lowe Billet, Grayson Henry Harris, Peyton George Harris, Lillian Rose Harris, Lorraine Maria Harris, Ansley Delaune Harralson, Grayson Davis Harralson, Amelia Hope Harralson, Mary Virginia Harralson; her great-grandchildren Vincent David Sullivan, Layla Ann Sullivan, Ryan Coleman Sullivan II, Harris Robert Schoonover; and her dear and loyal feline companion, Serena.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 1790 Lavista Rd., Atlanta, Georgia 30329, with a reception to follow at her daughter’s home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church or Atlanta Humane Society would be an honor.