Ethel Dugan "Dixie" "Dixie" Caulk

Ethel May Dugan "Dixie" Caulk, 90, of Rockingham passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born November 2, 1934, in Jackson County, Kansas. She was the only daughter of the late John T. and Lezetta May (Schultz) Dugan.

Dixie graduated in 1955 from Saint Francis School of Nursing in Topeka, Kansas. She spent most of her career at Richmond Memorial Hospital in Rockingham. Her most rewarding moments were in bedside nursing. She especially enjoyed her time in the newborn nursery as she loved babies and children. She retired in 1995.

She met Tracy, the love of her life, on a blind date when she was in nursing school and he was stationed at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka. It is an understatement to say it went well. They celebrated 68 years of marriage before his passing in November 2024.

Dixie was a faithful member of Cameronian Presbyterian Church. She could often be found in the kitchen shoulder to shoulder with others. This was a pattern that was repeated across many kitchens over many years. Cooking was but one of her many talents which she was generous to share. She was a true Proverbs 31 woman and often spoke of her gift of service. She knew who God created her to be and so she pleased Him.

Dixie was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, with a twinkle in her eyes. She was the heartbeat of the family. She enjoyed hosting her grandchildren for summer fun and slushies along with her famous apple pie and ice cream.

"Granny" understood the importance of family connection and lived by example. When she called on your birthday to sing "Happy Birthday" you knew you were special to her.

Full of energy, she accomplished more in one day than most people and did it with a happy heart.

Dixie enjoyed reading, sewing, working in her flowers, feeding her precious hummingbirds, and spending time with Dawn when Tracy was away on hunting or fishing trips.

She was a member of the Thursday Rummy Club for decades. She enjoyed the competition and friendships she found in this group of women. She looked forward to hosting when it was her turn. Although the competition was fierce, laughter filled the house.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by brothers John T. Dugan, Jr., Richard E. Dugan, Charles E. Dugan, and Wilbur "Bill" D. Dugan. Dixie is survived by daughter, Dawn Williams (Neil) of Greensboro; son, Kim Caulk (Sally) of Raleigh; Grandchildren, Trace Williams (Alexandra), Alexandra Spicer (Kirk), Travis Caulk and Shelby Tyndall (Murphy); Great grandchildren, Everette Williams, Shaw Williams, Carson Tyndall and Baby Williams on the way. She is also survived by brother Robert R. Dugan (Sandy) of Lumberton, Texas.

The Caulk family would like to acknowledge and thank her caregivers, Vickie Easterling, Angela Cole, and Brooke Allen along with Liberty Hospice and her nurse, Tammy Benoist for their dedication and attentive care of "Granny." This care team became family over their years of dedicated service. The Caulks also wish to thank the many dear friends who supported and sustained them with their many acts of kindness. The family deeply cherishes you all.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Liberty Hospice, 300 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Pinehurst, NC 28387; Dementia Alliance of North Caroline, 9131 Anson Way, Suite 206, Raleigh, North Carolina 27615 (dementianc.org); Cameronian Presbyterian Church, 179 Northam Road, Rockingham, North Carolina 28379; The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College Street, Oxford, North Carolina 27565.

A Celebration of her life will be Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 12:00 pm at Cameronian Presbyterian Church with Pastor Phil Joines and Pastor Chris Hawks officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:30 am till 12:00 pm prior to the service at the church.

Online condolences may be made at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Caulk family.