Jessie Lolaine Dixon

Jessie Lolaine Gaither Dixon was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on Christmas day in 1925. She was the daughter of the late William Green Gaither and Carrie Barber Gaither. She was known to all as "Jaye." She departed this life on September 2, 2025.

Her formative years were spent in Winston-Salem where Jaye initially attended Atkins High School. In her senior year, she moved to a boarding school called Morristown High School in Morristown, Tennessee where she was vice-president of her senior high class and graduated. Continuing her education, Jaye went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree from Georgia State College (now known as Savannah State University) and a Master of Science Degree from Howard University. She subsequently studied at George Peabody College and Vanderbilt University in Special Education, completing certification in General Crippling Disorders. She also received certification in Elementary Education at Tennessee State A & I University and pursued further studies in Early Childhood Education at the University of Maryland.

While a student in college, Jaye met and married the love of her life, the late James Wellington Dixon, MD. This union produced two children: Joy Lolaine Dixon and Jan Lynnette Dixon. Jaye exhibited great pride and love for her family. She especially enjoyed enhancing her children's studies through many enriching travel experiences.

Jaye taught in several public-school systems including: the District of Columbia, Montgomery County, Baltimore, Maryland; Nashville, Tennessee and Greensboro City Schools. Jaye worked extensively with the hearing-impaired preschool class at William S. Baer School for the Handicapped in Baltimore, Maryland. She enjoyed working at several interesting jobs such as a representative for the Pet Milk Company and working at the Library of Congress during her research and graduate studies. Later, she served as an educator for the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Ultimately, she chose to become a full-time mother, which she said was her favorite job of all.

When Jaye lived in Greensboro, NC, she was a member of St. James Presbyterian Church, the Beta Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority which she joined in 1967, the Medical Auxiliary to the State Medical Society, National Medical Auxiliary, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and a Lifetime Member of the NAACP. After her husband's retirement, Jaye traveled to Maryland and Virginia to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and their families. When Jaye and Jimmy moved to Hampton, VA, they joined and attended Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church. Later, they would attend St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church with her daughter, Joy and her family. In Hampton, she became active with the Gamma Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She especially enjoyed hosting a table of guests at her AKA Chapter's Fashion Shows. Over time, she loved receiving cards, flowers and home visits with her Sorors.

Those left to treasure her memory are: Joy Dixon Strawn, MD (daughter), Alexander E. Strawn, Jr. ( son-in-law), Jan Dixon Foushee, MD (daughter), Kenneth Sloan Foushee ( son-in-law) and four grandchildren: Erica Robinson Tricarico (Nathan), Eric Ashton Robinson (Alicia), Sean DeShields Webber ( Ashley), Kelli Lynnette Webber, 2 great grandchildren: Annaleia Joy Robinson and Alexander Joseph Tricarico. Jessie is also survived by Jewel Gaither (sister-in-law), Howard Barber (brother-in-law), godchild: Keith Adams Cox and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Special relatives include Stacey Strawn and Zoe Evans. Special friends include: C. Vicki Kilimanjaro, Sherrell and Randy Moody, Bea Russell, Patricia Archibald, Delores Minor, Joyce Chestang, and Paula Perry.

Viewing will be held from 12 noon - 3:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be held 12 noon Monday, September 15, 2025 at St. Cyprian's Church. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

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