Henrietta M. Dixon

Ms. Henrietta M. Dixon was born in Hopewell, Va., Nov. 9, 1936. She was the daughter of the late Henry McCoy and Annie Yates-McCoy. Receiving her childhood Christian experiences from Union Baptist Church in Hopewell, Va, she was baptized at an early age, participated in Sunday school, was taught Christian values, and learned to apply Christian principles.

In addition, her childhood and public school experiences were spent in Hopewell, Va. There, she graduated from Carter G. Woodson High School. Later, her family moved to Petersburg, Va., where she resided as a young adult. Being interested in the field of Nursing, she moved to Passaic, N.J., graduated from Passaic Nursing School, and then returned to Petersburg, Va.

Henrietta lived an abundant life. Through her spirituality and God given gifts and talents, she touched the lives of many people. She was an active member of Gillfield Baptist Church. Using her melodious voice, she sang in the Gillfield Choir, served on the Nurse's Board, and assisted with hospitality and other auxiliaries, when needed. In the community, she was a member of the Eastern Star Chapter #33.

Showing versatility in her occupations, she pursued nursing and sewing. For years, she worked in the nursing field as a Surgical Assistant at Medical College of Virginia (MCV). She also worked at Henrico Doctor's Hospital and St, Mary's Hospital, all in Richmond, Va. Her duties involved working with medical apparatus, assisting doctors, and caring for her patients. She was a legend in her field.

Gifted in sewing, she made custom made draperies for several residential and commercial buildings. Prom and wedding dresses were her specialty; however, she made informal dresses, slacks, suits and other garments, including purses and handbags. Using her imagination, when customers did not have a pattern for the garment, she creatively drew the pattern for the customer. Toward the end of her tenure in sewing, she taught sewing lessons.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Ruth J. Ayers, and a brother, Joseph E. McCoy, and Theodore H. McCoy.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories, two daughters, Ruth Gilley of Sacramento, Calif., and Deborah Dixon of Petersburg, Va.; five sisters, Ada Johnson, Chester, Va., Annie Elizabeth Stewart, Orlando Fla., Barbara Jean Davis, Germantown, Md., and Yvonne Wenske, Boise, Idaho; one brother: Henry McCoy Jr. of Petersburg, Va.: a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A service of love and remembrance for Ms. Henrietta McCoy Dixon will be held at noon Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at Gillfield Baptist Church, 209 Perry St., Petersburg, Va., the Rev. Dr. George W.C. Lyons Jr., pastor, officiating. Directly after interment, friends and family will be received in the dining area of Gillfield Baptist Church.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Ms. Dixon online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.