Mrs. Vickie Chambliss Dixon

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mrs. Dixon’s Favorite Scripture “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mrs. Dixon was born on November 18, 1952, in Franklin, VA, to Cleopatra and Clyde Bell. At an early age, she moved to Suffolk, VA, where she was raised by a maternal aunt and uncle, Edith Doretha Singleton Chambliss and George Edward Chambliss. It was during these formative years that Vickie became an active member of First Baptist Church, Mahan Street, and gave her life to Christ. It is this foundation of a life ordered by Christ that would shape the awesome woman of God that she would become. Education was always a priority for Vickie. She was among the first graduating classes (at that time) from the newly integrated Suffolk High School in 1971, graduating with Honors. Mrs. Dixon continued her education at Norfolk State University, graduating with a Bachelors in Science in Special Education in 1978, and continued on, receiving an Advanced Studies certificate and endorsements in Early Childhood Education and Learning Disabilities from Old Dominion University. Her love for education and learning shone through the career choices that she made. After a brief stint of working for the Department of Justice in Washington, DC, she began extensive employment, primarily in the field of Special Education, in the Suffolk Public School System (Suffolk High and Mt. Zion Elementary), St. Bride’s Correctional Facility and the Newport News Public School System (1985-2007). In these capacities, her passion for making arts and crafts, helping others, and developing high quality and innovative lessons was evident. Her love for and success in teaching afforded her leadership opportunities as a Teacher Mentor and Lead Teacher for the newly constructed Gatewood PEEP Center, which focused on the education of disabled preschoolers in the Newport News School District. She balanced her school responsibilities, all while serving as First Lady to Beulah Land, Walters Temple and Wesley Union AME Zion (Norfolk) Churches in the Hampton Roads area and surrounding vicinities. When illness forced Mrs. Dixon out of the classroom and church reassignment required out-of-state relocation, she relied on her faith in God to provide additional opportunities for her to serve others. The church was the answer. Throughout her medical challenges, Mrs. Dixon still faithfully served as a Sunday School Teacher, Class Leader, local Director of Christian Education (Harrisburg), former Harrisburg District Supply Secretary, Norfolk District YAMS Coordinator and local BUDS Superintendent in Norfolk and Harrisburg, always working diligently behind the scenes and never wanting to take the credit for anything done. Her service extended beyond the church as she served as a national ambassador for the National Kidney Foundation, a volunteer for the American Heart Association, the Kidney Foundation of Central PA, and KidShape youth health and wellness organization, as well as an organizer for the Camp Curtin Neighbors United Preschool Community, all for the City of Harrisburg, PA. Additionally, she served as a National Literacy Association volunteer, and as an Adult Literacy Teacher at the Huntersville Community Center. Though her body was weak, she strengthened all around her through the pleasant and dedicated service that she rendered, understanding that her gifts were “teaching, encouraging and helping others.” In her words, her sincerest prayer was that in her lifetime, she was able “to be of service/help to someone; that God’s light in me was seen and I shared His love in helping bring others to know Him.” On Tuesday, June 28, 2016, Mrs. Dixon triumphantly transitioned into eternal life. She is survived by her loving husband of thirty-one years, Reverend Willie L. Dixon of Harrisburg, PA, formerly of Hampton, VA; three sons, Eric (Kim) Thomas of Hampton, VA, Dariel (Lawanda) Dixon of Savannah, GA, and Phillip Dixon of Harrisburg, PA; one daughter, Leah (Jamie) Segar of Tappahannock, VA; three grandsons, Jamie, Miles and Jacob; one granddaughter, Carrington; one brother, Michael (Denise) Singleton of Baltimore, MD; two sisters, Faye (Leon) Saunders of Denver, CO, and Marlene (Bernard) Chapman of Clifton Forge, VA; an aunt, Florence (Bertel) Lane of Ivor, VA; beloved friend, Diane (Jimmy) Burke of Norfolk, VA; endeared god-sister, Patricia Abraham of Suffolk, VA; and a host of other relatives, church family and friends. Lovingly and Respectfully Submitted, The Family Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12 Noon, Wednesday, July 6, 2016, with viewing at 11 a.m., at Wesley Union AME Zion Church, 2219 N. 5th Street, Harrisburg. Interment will be Friday, July 8th, at Carver Memorial Cemetery, Suffolk, VA. Flowers may be delivered to the church 7/6, 10-10:30 a.m.

Tributes

Mrs. Vickie Chambliss Dixon

November 18, 1952 - June 28, 2016