Tribute

Dixie Lee Johnson, 80, of Zephyrhills, FL, formerly of Riverview, FL & Coloma, MI, peacefully joined her Lord on Thursday, May 19th, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at home. Born on December 22, 1942, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Buster and Leora (Amos) Gaddie, Dixie attended Benton Harbor High School and left a lasting impression on her community. Throughout her life, Dixie held a variety of roles, including Laundry Clerk at Ruth's Laundry Mat, Teacher's Aide at Grace Christian Schools, Construction Assistant to Ben Arny, House Cleaning & Executive Secretary at Cook Nuclear Plant. She was a woman of many talents, completing the esteemed Dale Carnegie course. Dixie was known for her warm and outgoing nature, effortlessly forging connections and friendships wherever she went. With a perpetual smile on her face, she had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel like family. Her neighbors held her dear, and her loyalty was unwavering. Dixie found immense joy in worshiping with the Gaithers & David Phelps, spending quality time with her loved ones, dancing in the rain with her beloved grandchildren, and indulging in her passions for baking, exploring new recipes, and crafting. She poured her heart into crafting numerous cherished Christmas presents over the years. While Dixie loved her children dearly, it was her grandchildren who truly captured her heart. A celebration of life honoring Dixie's remarkable journey will be held Friday, June 30, at 5:30, Midway Baptist Church, Watervliet, with a meal following. Please wear something orange or yellow, Dixie’s favorite colors! Memorial contributions may be made to: Science Care (800)417-3747 www.sciencecare.com, New Walk Church 35008 SR 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33541, and Midway Baptist Church 7517 Red Arrow Hwy, Watervliet, MI 49098

Friends & Family

Dixie leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by her children: James (Susan) Ridge of Grand Junction, MI, Michelle (Paul) Saltzman of Coloma, MI, Staci (Ridge) Summerer of Plainwell, MI, and Aaron Johnson & Nikki of Zephyrhills, FL. She is also survived by her siblings: Harold Gaddie of Michigan, Bertis (Gaddie) Velin of South Carolina, Zoe Ann (Bob) Davis of Florida, Bradley Gaddie of Michigan, Mary Ann Gaddie of Texas, Darleen (Gaddie) Blevins of Michigan, Lois (Gaddie) Owens of Florida, and her cousin Carol Lockman of Florida. Dixie cherished her 14 grandchildren: Patrick (Morgan), Nicholas (Kat), Jason, Ryan (Allison), Andrew (Christina), Colin (Camille), Noah, Bree (Ty), Truman, Evander, Alysa (Wes), Aaron, Kyra, and Amya. Additionally, she adored her 9 great-grandchildren: James, Leeland, Leah, Olivia, Rowan, Ella, Clay, Dalton, Luke, with one more baby Briella, soon to arrive! Dixie was preceded in death by her parents, Buster and Leora, her brother Wilburn Gaddie, and special friends Dave Walton and Ben & Betty Yocum.