Doris Billett Dixon ~ July 28, 1927 – January 31, 2025

Surrounded by her family, Doris “Dee Dee” Billett Dixon, 97, was called home by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ peacefully on January 31, 2025. She was born July 28, 1927, in Struthers, OH to the late Mildred (Carlson) and Michael Billett.

After meeting on a blind date in Virginia Beach, Doris married the love of her life, Frank W. Dixon, Sr. of Lexington, VA, on March 11, 1950, until his passing on May 29, 1994. Doris always remarked about being blessed to have married into such a loving family. She had two brothers, the late Robert W. Billett (Angela), and Michael H. Billett (Elaine). Doris was the devoted mother of two sons and a daughter, Frank W. Dixon, Jr. (Bill), Robin Dixon Miller, (wife of the late Warren M. Miller), and the late Michael Drew Dixon, Sr. Left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren: Justin W. Walker (Christy), Jesse W. Walker, Frank W. Dixon, III, (the late Carolyn), Michael D. Dixon, Jr., Afton H. Dixon, (Afton’s mother, Fran), Myles E. Dixon, Ryan C. Hargis, (Ryan’s mother, Debbie), Meredith E. Dixon, and great-grandchildren: Matthew Mepham, Ella N. Dixon, Sophia L. Dixon, and Frank W. Dixon, IV, as well as twenty-five nieces and nephews. Doris was preceded in death by her companion of many years, Joseph J. Pajuf.

Fashion show~ Flower show~ Home show~ Hardworking hands~ Crafting designs… Doris was an artist! Runway worthy~ Sassy~ Stunning~ Stately~ Surprising… Life was her runway! A showstopper~ One-of-a kind~ God’s design! If you knew her~ You won’t forget her! In Doris’ own words, “Life was my education.”

For over sixty-five years, Doris was an active member of Baylake UMC where she sang in the choir and served on various committees. Long-time member of the VB Christian Woman’s Club, Doris led the decorations committee, creating centerpieces for their monthly luncheons. One of the first volunteers for CBN’s 700 Club Prayer Center, Doris dedicated many years praying with callers. She was also president of her neighborhood garden club.

Doris was industrious and tenacious, developing skills and abilities during the years of in-home family management as a devoted stay-at-home mom. A self-taught seamstress, she produced goods to include draperies, accessories, and clothes for family generations, herself, and others. At age sixty-five, fate and fashion would partner to launch Doris Dixon Wholesale, a jewelry and accessories company, into the fashion market industry. Purchasing from manufacturers around the world, Doris created her extensive line and found a needed niche in the wholesale accessory marketplace. Along with her then-retired husband, she traveled the entire east coast, selling to boutiques, gift shops, hotels, and museums from Rhode Island to Florida. Doris once worked in a shop on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach where one of her clients was none other than Mrs. JC Penny herself. Her diligence to healthy eating, balanced nutrition, and exercise sustained her and inspired many others. Staying true to herself, Doris continued to be a fashionista even at home until the very end.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 26th at 11 a.m. at Baylake United Methodist Church, 4300 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. A graveside service is planned for April 16th at 11 a.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery, Lexington, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Baylake UMC Backpack Food Distribution Program for VB Public School children or The Salvation Army.