Dixie W. Lemon

Dixie was born on September 28, 1940 in the beautiful mountains of Old Fort, North Carolina. She was the first of five children born to the late Thurman Greenlee and Nora Bryson Greenlee. At Mountain View High School in Marion, North Carolina, Dixie played on the school’s basketball team. While in high school, she worked at Ridgecrest Baptist Center in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Upon graduation, Dixie moved to New York City to attend business school. She lived with her Aunt Billie Jean. Dixie met Isaac Lemon in New York and they soon wed. They moved to the Bronx and while raising Michelle and Dean, she crafted a career as head of the housekeeping department in the famed Esplande Hotel in Manhattan. The Esplande is a luxury hotel in New York. She was able to meet many well-known people such as actors Sidney Poitier, Brock Peters and Congressman Adam Clayton Powell. In the early 70’s, the family moved to Isaac’s hometown of Stockbridge, Georgia. There, Dixie continued to support her family while working at the Edgemont Hotel near Atlanta. She absolutely loved having a yard of her own. She worked continuously on her yard and fabulous flower beds. Many cars would come into her driveway with people inquiring about her various plants. Dixie soon became employed as a civilian with Ft. Gillem in Forest Park. She was well respected and received numerous awards and citations from Ft. Gillem. After retirement, Dixie spent her time helping out and enjoying her grandchildren. She’d pick them up from school, take them to the park and out to eat. She’d even take their dog, Sugar, to the groomer. Dixie began the first prayer ministry at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in 1989 under the late Reverend Dr. Hope Strickland. She was an active member of the Kitchen Ministry which is now known as the Culinary Ministry. Dixie leaves to cherish her memory a loving, supportive and dedicated husband, Isaac; two children, Michelle (Barry) and Dean (Myka); two grandchildren, Gage and Anna; a step-granddaughter, Makenzie; three brothers, Ralph (Elizabeth), Rick (Yvonne), and Greg (Charlanne); a sister, Norma Batten; a sister-in-law, Birda Mae Lemon; an aunt, Jo Swepson and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Dixie’s spirit was rooted in her love of Christ. She taught Michelle and Dean to love and depend on God. We will feel her love every time the sun shines.

Dixie W. Lemon

September 28, 1940 - December 13, 2014