Doris Lee Dixon

Doris Lee Dixon, 98, of James City County (Williamsburg), VA, entered eternal rest on 12/12/2022. She was born in Fairmont, WV on 3/2/1924, as the first-born child of John Lon (Lonnie) and Lena B. Thomas. She grew up in Fairmont, WV, where during elementary school she met Roderic M. Dixon, the love of her life and her future husband. They were married on July 4, 1946. As a youngster, she was quite the tomboy and did some daredevil things that we are all fortunate that she survived! Doris was very active in high school activities, including service and leadership roles. She loved to dance and had a spotlight dance in her junior class play. One of Doris’s favorite high school memories was when she was selected to participate in the very first year (1941) of the West Virginia American Legion Auxiliary Rhododendron Girls State. This weeklong event is still considered to be a premier experimental program that focuses on citizenship, patriotism, and leadership. She shared exciting stories about this experience of being part of a “congress.” Doris attended two years at Fairmont State College, and was a member of the Gamma Chi Chi Sorority. Once Rod and the other young men left the college to actively fight in WWII, Doris shared that college wasn’t fun without men, and then she decided to go to work. She married Rod and supported him as a fighter pilot in World War II, college student at Ohio State University, and in his career supporting the United States Air Force. She was a fun and caring Mom, raised three children, and supported and participated with all of her children’s busy activities, including family activities, scouts, sports, hobbies, music, church, beach time, and social events. Doris was a fiercely independent woman, while often a private individual, and an avid book reader. She always took care of her family first and her own needs only if there was time available. When her youngest child started kindergarten, she worked assorted part time jobs, in order to support her children’s educational pursuits. Whenever possible, she loved playing with and caregiving her grandchildren. Doris was always a mathematical thinker, and she ultimately found a job that suited her very well. For many years she worked at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Alexandria, VA, and oversaw the finances of the church. During these years, Doris contributed towards the welfare of the church, while also really enjoying her many church friendships and activities. Doris ultimately retired at the age of 81 and moved to Williamsburg in 2006 to be closer to her daughter, grandchildren, and eventually great grandchildren. Her son and his wife also relocated closer to Williamsburg therefore she was also able to spend more time with them. During her 80’s she and her daughter really enjoyed many fun times together, shopping (shoes of course), going to movies, and helping to sell her daughter’s jewelry designs at shows and festivals. She also loved playing with her great grandchildren. Doris was preceded in death by her parents Lonnie and Lena; husband Rod; daughter Amy E., and 4 of her siblings Johnnie, Patty, Mary, and Margie. She is survived by her children Susan D. Thomas and Jon W. Dixon; grandchildren Ryan W. Davis, Katlyn E. and Jamie Dixon; great grandchildren Olivia and Lily Davis; and sister Sally Alfaro. Remaining family by marriage include Rebekah B. Davis, and Rosemary Dixon. Family is honoring Doris’s wishes to not hold any public memorial or celebration of life services in her honor. If you wish to donate anything, please do so in her name to the charity of your choice.

Doris Lee Dixon

March 2, 1924 - December 12, 2022