Doris Haines Dixon

Doris Virginia Haines Dixon, 105, wife of the late Thomas Woodson Dixon, passed away in Staunton, August 29, 2023. Doris was born in Baltimore July 23, 1918, and grew up in Uniontown, Maryland, where her parents, the late Ruby Rodkey and Harry Harrison Haines, were also raised. She was Valedictorian of the New Windsor High School Class of 1934 where during the graduation ceremony she was named “Best All Around” and awarded a silver cup. When Doris was 11, her grandfather persuaded the President of Western Maryland College to allow her to begin piano lessons there. She had the same piano teacher from her very first lesson until her graduation from Western Maryland at age 19 with a double major in Piano and English. She then taught music in four public schools in Howard County, Maryland. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Doris enlisted in the U.S. Army. Her first assignment was to an air base in Stockton, California, where in addition to her regular duties, she organized and directed a women’s chorus. When Doris was asked to develop a program to update pilots on the day-to-day activities of the War she told her commanding officer, “I don’t know how to do that!” He replied, “I don’t either, but you’re the one who’s going to learn.” She studied ticker tapes of war news and consolidated the information into a 20-minute report given to an auditorium of young pilots each week. After a transfer to the Hobbs, New Mexico, Army Air Force Base, she gave presentations to B-17 pilots training for service in Europe. It was at Hobbs that Doris met Tom Dixon of Staunton, one of the first officers to open that base. Doris and Tommy were married in 1946 in Doris’ home in Maryland. They bought the Beverly Book Store in Staunton where Tom oversaw office supplies, machines and furniture, while Doris managed the book, stationery and greeting card department. They later owned and managed the Mary Baldwin College Book Store and the Beverly Hallmark Card Shop in Waynesboro. Doris was the oldest member of Staunton’s First Presbyterian Church where she was an Elder, led Bible Study and played piano for Sunday School, the Adult Bible Class and Vacation Bible School. She was twice Moderator of the Presbyterian Women who awarded her an Honorary Life Membership. Doris loved music and gardening. She was the oldest in age and length of membership in the Thursday Morning Music Club and the Augusta Garden Club. She was past President of the Music Club and directed the club chorus for 30 years. She was also past President of the Augusta Garden Club and received awards from that club as well as from the Garden Club of Virginia and the Garden Club of America. She opened her home and garden six times for Historic Garden Week in Virginia. Her original Book Club met for over 50 years and she enjoyed her recent association with the Fair and Tender Ladies Book Club. A cheerful and engaging speaker, Doris was able to talk to groups of any size without notes. She had a phenomenal memory of and interest in people, places and things and she loved to entertain family and friends in her home. Chicken salad sandwiches, country ham and deviled eggs were favorite dishes. Doris was predeceased by her son, Thomas Woodson Dixon, Jr. and his wife, Mary. She is survived by a daughter, Louisa Seibert Dixon of Staunton; grandchildren, Robin Dixon Cotterman (husband Judson Cotterman, III) of Yuma, Arizona, Erin Dixon Marley (husband Cole) of Crozet and Steven Dixon of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; great grandchildren, Owen and Mary Marley; a great nephew, Edwin Gadberry, III (wife Debi) of Richmond and two great nieces from Virginia Beach, Julie Dixon Fischer and Mary Kay Dixon Daves (husband, John). The family extends heartfelt thanks to Doris’ lovely, loving helpers: Connie Davis, Robin Dietrich, Linda Frye and Makeba Robinson; Dr. David Chernoff and Nurse Mary Fletcher; and to her extra special, beloved caregiver, Teresa Sheaves. A private family graveside service will be officiated by the Rev. Rick Dietrich and the Rev. Jeff Binder. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church with the Revs. Jeff Binder and Rick Dietrich officiating. A reception will follow at Doris’ Le Petit Jardin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Frederick Street, Staunton, Virginia 24401. Arrangements entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes, Staunton. Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com