Shelly Clark Dixon
December 10, 1970 - September 27, 2022
Elk Grove, California - Shelly Clark Dixon, wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend and teacher, finished her race here on earth and went home to be with Jesus, with her family surrounding her on September 27, 2022 after a nineteen month battle with cancer at the age of 51. As with everything else she encountered, she put everything she had into the fight and managed to be a blessing to those within her sphere of influence in the midst of her own suffering.
Shelly was born on December 10, 1970, to Nelda and Calvin Clark in Sacramento, California. She was their 5th and youngest child. They lived in Florin, CA, moving to Elk Grove, CA in 1977 where Shelly attended Markofer Elementary, Kerr Middle and Elk Grove High School graduating in 1989. She then earned a bachelor's degree from California State University Sacramento and fulfilled her goal of becoming a teacher. Shelly then earned her master's in educational administration from CSUS while working as a teacher. Shelly excelled as a teacher, Vice Principal, Principal and Director in Human Resources for the Elk Grove Unified School District for 28 years. She was driven to be the best and bring out the best in those around her whether they were students, teachers, custodians, or secretaries. Shelly saw the greatness in every person she met, and helping others succeed brought her joy.
Shelly loved her career, but her greatest joy was family. Being the "caboose" in a large family meant that she became an Aunt when she was 4 years old so her delight in babies got off to an early start. She adored her many nieces and nephews and they in turn adored her. But no babies had greater value to her than her very own. With former husband, Keith Hughes, Shelly gave birth to and raised two daughters, Hannah and Jacklyn. They were her delight and her greatest source of pride as they grew up to be successful, kind and loving women. On February 28, 2021 Shelly's family expanded when she married Andrew Dixon and gained not only a husband but another sister, additional brothers and a loving and generous mother-in-law.
Shelly is survived by her husband, Andrew Dixon, daughters, Hannah and Jacklyn Hughes, siblings, Janet Larson (Steve), Sharon Chapman (Mark), Susan Bainter (Greg), Tim Clark (Brenda), many many nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews and former husband, Keith Hughes. She is preceded in death by her mother, Nelda Clark and father, Calvin Clark.
We know Shelly touched many lives, so we invite you to join us for a celebration of her life on December 10, 2022 at Sun Grove Church, 2285 Longport Court, Elk Grove, CA at 11:00 a.m.
At Shelly's request, a charitable foundation promoting her educational agenda will be announced at the celebration of life service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Oct. 21, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Shelly Clark Dixon

29 Entries

Dennis Kearney

December 13, 2022

As a member of Joseph Sim's PTO, I got to know Shelly well. She helped a lot with our many activities and fund raising events. We were then members of Elk Grove Cross fit. Her fitness levels were amazing and her encouragement at cross fit events were very kind and motivating. I will miss her.

Magan Gaines

December 10, 2022

I wouldn't be teaching today without Shelly. She saw something in me, and helped me through all my ups and downs. She even helped tutor me one day on subjects I was having trouble with on a required test. She was a sweet, bubbly person who will be missed. I wish I could be there to honor her in person.

Lisa Thompson

December 10, 2022

Shelly embodied JOY in the midst of her suffering. She cared deeply for people and wanted to serve, mentor and come alongside others up until the very end. In my short time of knowing her, I was touched by her love for Jesus and people. She lived with great purpose and leaves a great example and legacy to follow. My thoughts and prayers for her beloved family and friends.

Mark Wirth

December 7, 2022

Shelly would come to our social events even after she went to the district office. She was so much fun! She loved to dance and laugh. She also would answer her own phone, and fix whatever problem my we had. She was also a great mentor to my student teacher, and would always lead by example. She made such an amazing impact on so many lives in such a short time on earth. She will be missed!

Nicole Swift

December 6, 2022

Shelly was a ray of light to this district and to everyone she encountered. It was an honor to work with her and my sympathies go out to her lovely family. There is another angel watching over us now. Godspeed Shelly.

Sonya Welch-Pickard

December 6, 2022

Sending lots of love to her family!! EGUSD will miss her!!

Stephanie

December 6, 2022

I had the privilege of working with Shelly in HR. She was so inspiring and a wonderful mentor. She encouraged me and knew me well enough to know I should be working at a school site. I will forever be grateful she steered me in the right direction and saw my potential. I will miss her happy emails and beautiful smile. "TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK"

Vincent Bautista

November 11, 2022

I remember Shelly Dixon as Mrs. Hughes, the principal of Joesph Sims Elementary, when my youngest son attended the school. She was always in a good mood and there to help you if needed. I was sorry to hear that she passed away in September. All my sympathy to her whole family.

Kathy Roemmele

October 27, 2022

Shelly was beautifully amazing and I have been truly blessed to have worked with her. Know I am praying for your whole family and will continue to pray...

Heidi Haugen

October 21, 2022

So sorry for the loss of Shelly. My condolences & sympathy to her family. Shelly was very helpful and knowledgeable throughout my career with EGUSD. May the special memories help you through this most difficult time.

Cheryl Hollis

October 21, 2022

Shelly was my partner 5th grade teacher and friend at Elitha Donner. She was an exceptional teacher, and accomplished educator, but her most meaningful accomplishment was raising her beautiful daughters. It´s so sad to learn of her untimely death. Shelly was an amazing woman. My thoughts are with your family.

Jennifer Phanthavong

October 20, 2022

I met Shelly when she was the principal for Marian Mix. Her inspirational speeches, and the fact that she wanted all the families so involved with everything from picking the colors and mascot of the school to being part of the PTO and STEM events really impressed me! I applied to be the secretary because I really wanted to work with her. Her light and energy were so positive and heartwarming. She said she wanted to hire me as a teacher instead, but my path took another direction. I felt so honored that she would consider me to work for her! A few years later I was blessed to have her daughter Hannah work as an aide in my classroom. I have many fond memories of both of them and our times together. One of my favorite memories was when Shelly was missing her daughter and she showed me that she was a real person. She cried right there, and I admired her so much for that vulnerability. I held her on a pedestal. She was so strong, with perfect hair, a perfect body, perfect cloths. It was so nice to meet such a well put together person who loved her family, friends, and school so deeply. She was genuine, real, smart, and oh so sweet. She will never be forgotten. RIP my dear friend.

Susheela Prasad

October 20, 2022

Deepest condolences towards the grieving families at this most difficult time and May her beautiful soul Rest high in heaven

Ronda Sardo

October 19, 2022

I worked with Shelly at Elitha Donner. I was a 2nd grade teacher and absolutely loved seeing her. Always happy, positive and a big smile on her face. I am crushed to have just read this news. Sending my most sincere condolences. Sending love and hugs to her family. Shelly has always been a my favorite of mine,

Denise Knorr

October 19, 2022

I will be forever grateful for Shelly who helped me during my darkest days, when I myself was sick. She encouraged me to go part time at work, actually set it up to make it happen for me when I was resistant to leaving my classroom, and checked up on my self care progress often! Shelly inspired me because she was strong and she held herself and others to strive for goals that produced incredible outcomes for so many students! I am a better person & teacher for knowing her. I will miss her very much, but I will try & follow her example.

Steve and Kristen Beckner

October 19, 2022

Oh, how we loved Shelly!!! She was an absolutely incredible person. A true gem! We are so thankful to have known her for so many years as a marvelous educator, wonderful colleague, devoted mom, and encouraging, kind friend.

Hannah and Jacklyn, we've been praying for you! You will remain in our prayers. Your mom was the best. She adored both of you so much! Mr. B looks forward to seeing you at the Celebration of Life!

Shreya former student and Sahil Prakash

October 18, 2022

She was a very beautiful person may god bless her soul.

Valery Walsh - Ms. V

October 18, 2022

I had the honor of being a part of Shelly's opening team at Marion Mix. Her passion for the students and staff was unparalleled. The work she inspired us to do that year will always hold a very special place in my heart. Sending my love to her beautiful daughters during this very difficult time.

Stacey Campbell-Skipper

October 18, 2022

I have known Shelly nearly 20 years through the EGUSD. She saw me develop from a school secretary to a teacher within the district. During my time knowing her, she was always inspiring and very good at he job. She motivated and equipped me to be a Mentor/Master teacher. Shelly will always be remembered by me as an amazing person, who sincerely cared about the growth of teachers and students. I will miss you Shelly Clark! You are loved!!!!

Cynthia Dettner

October 18, 2022

Shelly, I can never thank you enough for all the answers to my questions you have graciously answered over the years. The children in our district have been well served and well loved by your kindnesses. You set a high bar and will be missed. Sending my condolences to your family and friends my dear. With thoughts and prayers, Cynthia Dettner

Rebecca

October 18, 2022

I only knew Shelly as a Substitute but she was very professional, helpful and eager to fix things. She was a great asset to EGUSD. She will be missed.

Jordan Fox-Fick

October 18, 2022

The best principal you could ever ask for. She raised the sweetest most caring daughters who are great reflections of who Shelley was. She will be missed by the community of former students she has here like myself and I'm sure many many more.

Melody Bruch

October 18, 2022

Shelley was an amazing woman and educational leader. I'm so glad she is in heaven, completely healed!

Lilian Kennedy

October 18, 2022

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jamie Kleist

October 18, 2022

You were such an amazing and strong woman. you will defiantly be missed.

October 18, 2022

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Please take comfort in the words found at 2nd Thessalonians 2:16,17.

Marta

October 17, 2022

I´m so sad to hear this. She was our principal at Marrion Mix and put her heart into opening this school. So many kids benefited from hand selecting the very best teachers, using not only their aptitude, but care and compassion a must. We only had her one year but her impact is amazing. I´m so very sorry.

Caroline Martin

October 17, 2022

Such a huge loss. She will be missed greatly.