Joan Wilson Dixon

Joan Marie was born on May 15, 1934 to parents Golda Leona Hudson and Carlie Neopoleon Wilson in Mobile, Alabama. After graduating Murphy High School, she attended the University of Alabama. She was also a proud member and president of the Alpha Phi fraternity. Alpha Phi considers itself a women's fraternity because its founding date predates the invention of the word “sorority".

After graduation Joan traveled to Cuba and Mexico, taking University classes and living with local families. Upon returning she became an elementary school English teacher and worked for Mobile, AL congressman Frank W. Boykin. Eventually she made her way to his Washington, DC office on Capital Hill. She worked for him for many years, then moving on to work for several more congressmen thereafter.

During this period Joan met Peter A. Dixon who worked for the National Security Agency at Ft. Meade, MD. who was also living in Washington DC. They were wed on May 14, 1960. They had an impromptu garden wedding at her parents house in Mobile, Alabama followed by a beautiful honeymoon in Acapulco, Mexico.

Wanting to try something new, in May 1965 they opened The Talley Ho Coffee House and Carry Out on Washington St. in Old Town, Alexandria. Offering coffee from high quality local roasters, meats from premiere butchers and highly regarded cakes from local bakers.

In 1967, Joan and Peter welcomed their daughter Pamela. In addition they went on to have many dogs and one cat to add to the family.

In 1968, Joan was asked to come back to Capital Hill to work for Alabama congressman Jack Edwards for several years. She then made her way closer to home and for nearly 20 years worked for The United Way of America, national headquarters in Alexandria, VA. Joan then pivoted careers and became a Realtor. Working for over 30 years as an agent, spending a few years with Long & Foster, and the remaining time with McEnearney Associates. Amazingly she continued to work part time as a Realtor into her late 80’s.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, and survived by her husband of 63 years Peter, daughter Pamela (Michael Hildebrandt), granddaughter Sydney, and her brother Terry (Kitti) Wilson.

Please note time change - Funeral service is March 23, 2024 now at 12:00pm at St Paul’s Episcopal Church on 228 S Pitt St, Alexandria, VA 22314. Reception immediately following the service at the church in Norton Hall.

Parking information: There is validated parking at the Courthouse Square Garage, 111 S Pitt St, 1 block down from the church. Please make sure to pick up your blue validation ticket from the back of the church to give to the parking attendant. Some street parking might be available, but please read the signs carefully, as some require a payment.