Frances W. Dixon

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Frances W. Dixon, longtime active and much-beloved member of the greater Billings community, died early Saturday morning of cardiac failure at her residence in West Park Village. She was just two months short of her 95th birthday.

Born Frances Nelson in 1914 to a school teacher in Auburn, Alabama, she was the youngest of four children. She attended Catholic primary school in Birmingham and then went on to boarding school at the prestigious Tuskegee Institute, where she stayed and later earned her college diploma in Business Administration. While at Tuskegee she was a member of the famed Tuskegee Choir and one of those picked to perform at the musical opening of Radio City Music Hall, as well as for President at the time, Herbert Hoover.

She went on to further undergraduate studies at Xavier University in New Orleans on an American Red Cross scholarship awarded to her for teaching first- and second-graders. It was there that she found her calling and the basis for the next seventy-five years of her life. She picked as her only course of study Social Work. She returned to Birmingham after completing her undergrad work and began working in the Jefferson County welfare department. During that time in order to be better at her job, she attended nursing school. Not satisfied and with a great deal of encouragement, she moved on, finally finishing her graduate work with a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago in 1944.

Frances was then assigned by the Red Cross to the Tuskegee Army Airbase, home of the famous Tuskegee Airmen, to be a medical social worker. It was there, in 1948, that she was offered and jumped at a chance to do what very few women at the time were allowed to do. She learned to fly. As former combat aviators were being converted to commercial pilots, Frances logged hundreds of hours in light aircraft and fighter planes in the skies over Alabama. She even became a member of the Civilian Air Patrol.

It was during this time she met and married Sgt. William “Dick” Dixon and the pair moved to Montana, where Frances began her life as a social worker in earnest. They adopted three children together, and when the couple separated, Frances went on to raise the three on her own while working for the Department of Indian Health and various agencies within the department. Her job was administering to the health needs of poverty-stricken Indian reservations throughout the West, as well as northwestern and southwestern United States, with duties up to and including personally escorting the very young victims of home fires to the Burn Center in Colorado where she worked until her retirement in 1980.

Shortly after this first retirement, Frances began her second career doing social work for the Area II Council on Aging, culminating in her receiving the Regional Commissioner’s Citation, the highest award given by the Social Security Administration for work with the elderly. Even after her second retirement, she stayed active in the care for the elderly while she herself was a septuagenarian. In her final residence at West Park Village, some of the staffers had been trained and mentored by Frances.

George Bernard Shaw once said of life, “I want to be thoroughly used up when I die.” Anyone who witnessed the “splendid torch” of Frances Wimberly Dixon’s life would have to agree that she has indeed succeeded in that.

Her advice on living a long and industrious life? “Be happy.”

Vigil Services will take place at 7pm on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be 11am Wednesday, July 29, 2009 with Rite of Committal at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Holy Rosary Church.

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Remembrances

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Dear Family,

I want you to know what a special friendship Frances and my mother shared. Their apartments were next door to each other at West Park,  and they checked on each other daily, as well as sharing many happy moments together.  My mother called to let me know that Frances had received her angel wings last Sat., and that she misses her very much.

It was a pleasure and honor to come to know Frances. Her spirit will live on here as in heaven.

With sincere sympathy, Carol Ferro

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Mom #2,

We love you and miss you.  You have been a great inspiration to all of us.

Love, Shirley & Tim

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Dixon family - We first met your Mother when we visited her when she became a McGruff House (safe house for children). What a lovely, classy lady!!

She proudly showed us all her pictures of her family each time we visited.

She watched out for children as they passed her house going to and from school. I also got to see her several times at West Park. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sincerely - Jean and Karolyn Smith

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Hi Family and All,

Frances was a memorable person. I met her when she was helping an elderly couple, Zita and Frank Savaresy in Billings. She was so kind. She used her education and qualities to have stimulating visits with them for many years. I didn't know her background, but it makes a lot of sense now. I am glad to know that she had a good, long life. Phyllis Cornell

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To the family of Mrs. Dixon:

I first met Mrs. Dixon when I attended first grade at Holy Rosary School, in the early 1980s.　 I would arrive early for school and attend Mass daily.　 I had a (nearly) front row seat...we school children were (strategically?) placed directly in the pew behind Mrs. Dixon.

She always appeared a simple, yet elegant woman.　 I had no idea the life she lived!　 It warmed my heart to read about her adventures and experiences.　 I always remember how soft her hands were at the giving of the sign of peace.

Mrs. Dixon...what a woman.　 God rest her soul.

Rachel A. Davis

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Dear Frances Dixon Family,

I have many fond memories of Frances while growing up just two blocks away on Alderson Ave. She was an exceptional woman and I never saw her without a smile on her face. She's definitely earned her angel wings and will continue to guide others from heaven.

God Bless,

Patty (Dernbach) St. John

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Dear Jerry & Family,

What a special lady your mother was. Thinking of you and wishing you peace at this time.

Warmest regards,

Jennifer Astle Morgan

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Dear family members,

I have been a long-time friend of your mom's and a great admirer as well.

Francis and I were involved in the early beginnings of the Billings Mental Health Association in the 60's which I am sure does not surprise you because as you know, your mom was committed to helping people. I learned much from Francis and our community has lost a passionate and committed champion.

Mona L. Sumner, MHA ACATA

Chief Operations Officer

Rimrock Foundation

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To the Frances Dixon Family,

I am grateful to have known Frances. I met her when I was 10 years old...I spent more time with her when I was 18 & 19 years old. She was my Grandma's (Zita Savaresy) best friend. She spent time at Zita's house in Billings talking and eating Italian food. She never talked about herself, she was always interested in you. Frank & Zita loved Frances. She was kind, soft spoken, gentle lady and I have not forgotten her. She touched people's lives. Sincerely, Vonnie, Bonnie, Frank & Kathy-- Children of Mary Jane Gray & Grandchildren of Zita Savaresy.