Deborah "Dix" Dixon

Deborah "Dix" Dixon April 2, 1956 - June 2, 2007 Passed while being held by her wife of 14 years, Dawn Marie Wadle, at their home in Berkeley. Deborah lived with and tried to heal from lymphoma beginning in September, 2006, and she remained positive, generous and very much alive until the end. Deborah is also survived by her mother Geraldine Curson Dixon; sister, Patricia McIntyre; grandmother, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews in Philadelphia; as well as her brother Jordon Dixon of Baltimore. She further leaves behind an incredible community of chosen family and friends in the Bay Area and beyond. She was closely involved in the lives of many children and leaves behind her godsons, Renzie (5), Sergio (17) and Gabriel (20), as well as several other children whose lives she touched in her own special way. Deborah was born on April 2, 1956 in Philadelphia, PA. She played softball and tennis through school, and when she came out as a lesbian in 1979, she was active in both coaching and playing softball and flag football through Women's Space. Sports buddies christened her "Dix." Deborah moved to the Bay Area in 1989. She continued her sports and expanded to include bowling, bicycling, darts and golf. In recent years she tried out for women's professional football, though decided it would detract from her college studies. In 1992 Dix claimed to have a "butch summer," that led to a permanent embracing of her butch essence and identity. Many Bay Area clubgoers know her as a gracious flirt and charming swing dance lead. Deborah's professional skills are broad. She successfully managed restaurants and retail music stores, and then drove for Super Shuttle for several years, soaking in the pleasures of both driving and extending her charm and kindness to her colleagues and customers. At the age of 42, she went to Contra Costa Community College to pursue her B.A. and dream of becoming a teacher. She graduated in 2006 with a degree in liberal studies from California State University, Hayward. Deborah's pursuit of her teaching credential was interrupted by her illness. While in school, Deborah had the opportunity to hone her craft by teaching at Holden High School and tutoring at Peres Elementary. She was well-loved by her students and colleagues and made a significant impact on the lives of young people during her time there. We all mourn the loss of her gift to educate the next generation and are grateful for the wisdom she was able to impart while in this life. Dix approached all aspects of her life with passion and a sincere devotion to the human spirit. She was like a magician/alchemist who turned the small moments in people's days to gold. People describe her smile as lighting up a room, and her manner as welcoming and approachable. In her 1971 yellow VW Super Beetle, she offered help to stranded motorists, rides to those with heavy loads, and whatever other kindness seemed appropriate. She was always present with a generous heart and spirit. Dix was also an activist involved in causes local, national and worldwide, always committed to awareness of diversity and making the world a better place for all. For the past many years she and Dawn Marie donated to and volunteered tirelessly for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, with Dix serving as co-chair of the Anniversary Gala in 2004. A Celebration of Life is planned for July 15, 2007. Please email dwadix@ earthlink.net for additional details. To honor Deborah, consider a donation to either National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), 870 Market St., Suite 370, San Francisco, CA 94102; or Holden High School, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda, CA 94563.