Dixie Williams

Dixie Lynn Williams of Playa del Rey, California, passed away January 2, 2013. She was born November 14, 1938 in Great Bend, Kansas, the second daughter to Allen and Clarice Williams. In 1942, the family was transferred by Phillips Petroleum Company to Bartlesville, Oklahoma. She attended McKinley, Garfield, Central Jr. High, and College High, graduating in 1956. Dixie participated in several school organizations, served as a cheerleader for two years and was the Football Queen her senior year. During this period she studied ballet with Gretchen Wyler along with her sister, Gayle, and Jane and Ann Hesse. The four danced in a dance recital Gretchen choreographed entitled "Come Dance With Me". Dixie performed The Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy from Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker." This production was performed at the original Bartlesville Civic Center now the site of the Bartlesville Library. After graduation from College High in 1956, Dixie attended Oklahoma State University, graduating in 1960 with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and held several chapter offices. After college, she moved to Houston and became a buyer in women's clothing for Foley's Department Store. In 1963, she moved to Playa del Rey, CA, where she worked at the California Fashion Mart for 35 years. When Dixie retired, the owner of her apartment complex asked her to manage the apartments. She remained in this position until her passing. The Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove was Dixie's church affiliation. She worshiped during the televised services. Dr. Schuller's messages inspired her. Dixie always had cats. Her cats were spoiled. They came in pairs and they ruled the place. Most phone conversations included news about the cats' antics which sometimes included a broken item or a pile of papers scattered about the floor. Dixie had numerous friends and was loved by all. Her high school and college classmates remained an important part of her life. She delighted in their families and loved receiving pictures of their children, talking on the phone, emailing, and using Facebook. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Gayle and Ken Herring, of Dallas, Texas. Other survivors include her stepmother, Sally Pepper of Pryor, Oklahoma, and cousins, Norma Vickery, Rev. Rob Vickery, and Randy Vickery, all of Austin, Texas, and their families. She will be truly missed. She was very special, tender-hearted and devoted to everyone. Services will be held Tuesday at 10:00 AM. in the Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home Chapel In Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The Rev. Dale Scott of the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to Cat Connection of Los Angeles (http://catconnectionla.org), or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com. Local arrangements are under the direction of the Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home, Bartlesville.

Service Details

Tuesday, January 15th, 2013 10:00am, Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home