Betty Jo Dixon, 82, of Mauriceville, Texas passed away October 6, 2011 at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont.Betty was born and raised in Port Neches, Texas on September 28, 1929 to the late James Avon and Shelton Aycock Dean. She later moved to Houston and worked for Gulf Oil several years, there and in Beaumont. For many years to spend time with her daughter, she ran her own homebased secretarial service.In 1980, she became executive manager of the Nederland Chamber of Commerce, a vocation she loved, and worked there until her retirement fifteen years later. Afterwards she worked as a columnist for the Midcounty and Orange editions of the newspaper, and even helped manage a lodge in Taos, NM during the winter ski season, and volunteered as a model for various charity style shows.During her career she served terms as an elected board member of the Jefferson County Water District 10. She has been involved with the Nederland Heritage Festival Committee, Eastern Star, Camp Fire Girls, American Cancer Society, Nederland Rotary Club, DuPont Citizens Advisory Committee, Jefferson county Historical Society, and March of Dimes. She has also been an active member of the El Mina Shrine Circus Committee and supported the many activities of the El Mina Shrine Temple with her husband, Aubrey, a member since 1972.She was inducted into the East Texas Women39s Hall of Fame and cited as Citizen of the Year by the Business and Professional Women39s Club, and received a grant to teach Tourist Development in Moscow, Russia. She was also a member of the Mauriceville United Methodist Church.While always working diligently in her professional life and citizen involvement, her true love was always her family and extended circle of friends. She made sure her table was always laden with her special homemade goodies, and many will forever treasure her special gifts of mayhaw jelly she handed out to show her special favor. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Aubrey Dixon. She is survived by her loving daughter of Mauriceville, Deana McMahon. She is also survived by her most precious granddaughters, Maggie and Faith McMahon of Port Neches and brothers, Jim Dean of Nederland and Dick Dean of Woodville.She was the center and glue of our family, and we will miss and honor her always.A gathering of family and friends will be held at Melancon39s Funeral Home, 1605 Avenue H in Nederland Saturday, October 8, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 9, 2011 at Memory Gardens of Jefferson County Cemetery in Nederland, Rev. Dr. Douglas Caldwell officiating.
Condolences
Robin Sawyer
October 8, 2011
Some of my most favorite memories in High School were going to the Dixon home whether to eat dinner and spend the night or just go hangout with Deana. It was my home away from home. Betty Jo and Aubrey were always so much fun and so patient with all of us teenagers eating and scrounging thru the ice box for more. It always smelled great in that kitchen: I wonder if those two ever knew how much we all thought of them by how we were always welcome... any time any day
Charlene Hubbard
October 8, 2011
To: Betty Jos family and loved ones, I will remember her very friendly smile and welcoming ways and personality. She was such an energetic person, willing to be involved in many ways that helped others but especially her family. I know she will be missed by all of you and her many friends. God Bless you during this sad time . May heavenly peace and comfort hover near you and give you peace. Remembering you with deep sympathy.
Bobby Munlin
October 7, 2011
Betty Jo never met a stranger, always truly friendly to all. Her friendliness and smile will be remembered always. She was just one of a kind. Heaven will be a better place now....
Donald And Iona Watt
October 7, 2011
Betty was one of a kind and we loved her very much as a special friend to us and all that she knew. She will truly be missed.
David Lybarger
October 7, 2011
Betty Jo was a special cousin who spent her teenage years living with my Mother and Father in Beaumont, Texas after her own mother passed away. As a result, she was like a sister to me and I have great memories of those years. She, my sister Pat, and I had some really good times together.