Helen M. Dixon

Helen M. Dixon, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 22, 2018 after a lengthy illness. Born June 2, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Sophia Sedgwick Dennison. She was the widow of Richard Carey Dixon and they were married for 56 years. A wonderful wife and mother to seven children, Patricia (Lewis Taltoan), Sheila, Karen, Richard (Barbara A.), Terry (Patrice), Barbara Peters, and Pamela Davis. Also surviving are three sisters: Margaret Watson, Shirley Wright and Dora Dennison. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Raymond, Lewis, Granville, Joseph and five sisters, Mary, Christine, Ida, Kathryn Ann, and Agnes. Helen was a life member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she attended Sunday School as a child and participated in youth services. She participated in various choirs over the years including Junior Choir, Chancel Choir, Women’s Chorus and Voices of Praise Choir. She was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary, a faithful stewardess, serving as President and Stewardess Emeritus; a member of Mayme Ruth Simmons Women’s Missionary Society, serving as Treasurer, and the Rainy-Day Chair & Tanner-Turner Memorial Chairperson, serving as President and Stewardess Emeritus. She was a member of the Lancaster-Lebanon Area Missionary and Chairperson of the Heath Polk Rural Mission; and Served as Chaplain. She was a member of the Philadelphia Conference Branch Women’s Missionary Society and was honored by the Conference in 2014 for 50 years of Service in Missions. She recently was honored as Mother of the Church in September of 2018. She was the first child in her family to graduate from J.P. McCaskey High School in 1947. She was a domestic worker for a number of years. During the Civil Rights Movement in the 60’s, she was one of the first women of color to be employed at the former Watt and Shand’s Department Store as a sales person. She attended Nursing School with her eldest daughter, Patricia, and graduated in 1967 as a nurse’s aide. She began her nursing career at the former St. Joseph Hospital in 1968, working primarily in the Pediatric Division. She was highly respected by the Doctor’s, Nurses, and the families of patients she cared for. She was recognized in the Lancaster Newspaper by the hospital. Helen enjoyed traveling by car, plane, cruise lines, or train with her family and friends to Hawaii, Canada, Caribbean Islands, Bermuda, Florida, Flower Shows, and Broadway Shows. She was so intent on going on a trip to New York, that she and other seniors braved a blizzard on a bus to New York and found themselves stranded in Northern PA for two days. She inherited a gift of service to others from her beloved parents and never took life and the people she came in contact with for granted. She loved all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends who respected her because of her loving kindness. She loved gardening and the beauty of flowers. She enjoyed making homemade apple sauce over the years and up until a few days before her passing. Helen’s community involvements included the Boy’s Club of Lancaster Auxiliary, volunteer hostess for Military Reserves, Urban League Auxiliary, supporter of The Order of the Eastern Star, Member of the NAACP and volunteer, former President of the Golden Girls, Member of the Sunshine Club, and a Member Crispus Attucks Center. Mrs. Helen Marie Dixon was a beautiful soul who loved the Lord and respected others. Her life is an example to her children, family, and friends of dedication. Unconditional love and commitment to God and his people. We shall miss you Mom. You were not only a mother, but a confidant and friend to many of all ages. We loved you deeply. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Helen’s Homegoing Service at Bethel AME Church, 450-512 East Strawberry Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 on Monday, October 29, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. with The Rev. Edward M. Bailey officiating. Interment at Riverview Burial Park. The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Memorial contributions may be sent to Bethel AME, Attn: Mayme Ruth Simmons Women’s Missionary Society, 450-512 E. Strawberry Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 or Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.