Mary Simpson Dixon

COLUMBIA — Mary Simpson Dixon, perpetually 34, passed away on Christmas Eve. She was born in the Kibbee Community near Vidalia, Georgia, to the late Alfred Oliver and Alma Louise Rabon Simpson. As a teenager, Miss Mary moved to Savannah and began her stellar career in food service by working for an exclusive hotel chain, DeSota Hotels, training staff across the Southeast. She continued working in New Jersey, Florida, California (The Brown Derby, even though Howard Hughes tried to steal her away, and served various movie stars including Joan Crawford), Tybee Beach (where she worked for the Brass Rail before opening Mary’s Nic Nacs), and Augusta, Georgia (Ship Ahoy), before moving to Columbia in the early 1950s. She worked for the Ship Ahoy in Columbia, Laurel Hill Supper Club (where Las Vegas acts and entertainers performed and requested her personally), and Dick’s Flamingo Club, where she perfected her cheese-stuffed potato.
 
In 1961, Miss Mary opened the original Celebrity Supper Club known for having “Fine Food, Smartly Served,” for her celebrities of the Columbia Area. In 1976, as her business outgrew the original location, she moved her club to the old Mammy’s Shanty building in order to serve more of “her customers” and provide live entertainment. In 1989, she moved into her dream restaurant built as a tribute to her treasured son, Oliver. After her retirement in 1993, she continued working, hosting Mary’s Night at Frank’s Market (originally established with Oliver and Marie) and continued to be involved with her other businesses, including Celebrity Amusement, Celebrity Styling, and her very favorite Ole Place Club which housed the original restaurant.
 
During her extensive career, she met and became friends with many “celebrities” who became members of her family. It was often said that more laws were passed at Mary’s Celebrity than at the S.C. State House. Among her friends were many of South Carolina’s most notable lawmakers, business leaders, educators, attorneys, crooks, and everyone who enjoyed being treated like a celebrity from the moment they walked through the door. Although her staff changed over the years, they all remained lifelong, devoted, and loving friends. Many have fond memories of Miss Mary, her steaks, standing prime ribs; king crab; lobster newburg; Mary’s Special Salad; pates; and sausage biscuits.
 
We as family, friends, and celebrities have been blessed by her long, meaningful, and interesting life, and thank God for the privilege of having been a part of her world.
 
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bennie W. and Deborah S. Dixon; daughter and son-in-law, Renda Dixon and N. Wayne Allen; daughter-in-law, Marie Dixon; grandchildren, Celeste Allen Smith, Bennie James Dixon, Thomas Manning Dixon (Amy Neece), Jason Eugene Dixon (Amanda), Thomas Elliott Summersgill, Mary Lynne Dixon, Christopher T. Smith, Timothy C. Smith, Chloe Elizabeth Jean Dixon; sister-in-law, Lucille Simpson; cherished nieces and nephews, Walton and June Davis, Bobbie Davis Joiner and Manuel Reyes, and Lindy I. Esterline.
 
Miss Mary was predeceased by her beloved son, Oliver Lee Dixon; sisters and brother-in-law who helped raise Mary and her children, Avis and Mann Davis, Alma and Zollie Brantley, Ed and Naomi Simpson, Dell and Talmadge Knight, Ollie Williams, Bernard Simpson; special grandson, Nicholas Davis Smith; daughter-in-law and heartfelt friend, Linda Johnson Dixon; and daughter-in-law, Jean Abbott Dixon.
 
Funeral services will be held at 1æp.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2009, at Crescent Hill Baptist Church, 2651 Two Notch Road, Columbia, with interment following in Greenlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. on Monday, December 28, 2009, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, 3926 Devine Street, Columbia. Pallbearers will be Bennie James Dixon, Thomas Manning Dixon, Jason Eugene Dixon, Jimmy A. Brown, Mark Smith and A. J. Lee. Honorary Pallbearers will be Thomas Elliott Summersgill, Billy R. Rich, Christopher T. Smith, Timothy C. Smith, William O. Kneece, Frank Clark, Bill Sauls, Marty Narr, Buddy Montgomery and Mike Thompson.
 
Friends are invited to gather at the Ole Place Club, 3311 Two Notch Road, Columbia following completion of all services.
 
While flowers will certainly be appreciated, those who prefer may make a donation to Mental Health America of SC, 1823 Gadsden Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
 
Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.