Juanita Mae Dixon's Obituary
Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin-top:0in;mso-para-margin-right:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;mso-para-margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}Cotton ChildJuanita Mae Dixon was born in Scottsboro, Alabama, on February 7, 1947 to Homer and Maybell Ake. Her family struggled financially to run a cotton farm with eight children. Juanita found work on the farm to be backbreaking and vowed once she left that “she never wanted to pick another piece of cotton again.” Being third eldest and the only daughter, Juanita’s role at home was that of a second mother. This inspired much of her caring nature which would mark her life. A Nashville StylistJuanita met and married Gerry Dixon while attending cosmetology school. Together they maintained a strong and loving relationship and shared both a career and a personal life, raising their two daughters. The couple set up shop in Nashville, next to the Baptist Hospital, and there she served as a stylist, and pseudo-therapist, to many of Nashville’s elite business associates and country music stars. Juanita built many strong relationships with her clients and was rewarded often for her work and her listening ear and advice; clients showed their appreciation through monetary gifts and trips offered to her and her husband. For 28 years, Gerry and Juanita shared almost every moment together, and despite divorcing after that time, they remained close. A True BeautyAccording to her daughters and niece, Juanita was always a “hotty.” She always presented herself in a stylish fashion; accessorizing beautifully. Her daughter recalls getting into trouble at school and Juanita had to come in to meet with the principal. All of her schoolmates commented on how beautiful her mom was and the coach made every effort to get to meet her. Juanita’s physical beauty was equally matched by her loving and caring manner. She was always accepting of others. Juanita often shared her “words of wisdom,” short phrases of inspiration, with those whom she felt would benefit. And despite her quiet confidence and strong presence, Juanita would always take a “backseat” to ensure that others remained in the limelight. The Funny LadyWhen asked, “What about Juanita made you laugh?” her family was quick to respond: “What didn’t she do to make you laugh?” Juanita was all about making people happy, and her sense of humor played a big role in this. Her niece remembers how Juanita would often make funny faces such as an evil winking eye or a crooked smile. On one Halloween occasion, the young niece and her friends were preparing for an evening of haunting games, when rattling chains sounded and ghosts appeared in the window, travelling up the back porch. Screaming and running for shelter, the young girls were greeted by a less than frightening apparition as Juanita revealed herself from behind a cloaked sheet… a flowery-printed one at that! This act was typical of Juanita’s practical jokes and sense of humor. Moving OnFollowing her divorce, Juanita took on several jobs in order to care for her girls; she worked hard in order to provide adequately for her family. She worked in bookkeeping, as a waitress, and as a doorperson at a local nightclub. Later on, her work on crafting jewelry illustrated an exceptional talent. Juanita would be shipped parts and pieces for a company called Erin’s Earrings and she would spend hours sitting at the table designing and assembly items. Outside of work, Juanita’s interests included a wide variety of music such as the Gaithers, Motown, Bob Seger, and Elvis Presley. The “Grandbabies”Juanita did not have the fortune of grandchildren, but found love and companionship in her later years through her pets. Animals always played a valuable role in her life. Mandy was Juanita’s first dog, and her children credit Mandy for saving their mother’s life. Mandy’s pacing and anxiety troubled Juanita one day to such a point that she moved to take the dog outside. It was in the fresh air that she realized the house smelled of gas. Apparently the gas from the fireplace had been running and Mandy’s actions kept Juanita from lighting a cigarette in the fume-filled home. Other significant furry companions included Maxi, Sophie and Mimi. However, it was Snowball who formed the greatest bond with Juanita. Her family recalls how Snowball would not leave Juanita’s side when she was in the hospice and would often lay on her feet to keep them warm. The American Husky was always by her side and when the family would bring her close to Juanita, she would caress the dog with a loving acknowledgement: “My Snowball.” A LegacyJuanita passed away on July 3, 2012, leaving her family and friends with a legacy of love and humility. Despite her beauty and confidence, Juanita always showed love and put others first. She instilled in her family members a willingness to stand up for themselves and to be strong. She left her family with the valued phrase: “You can be one of yourself, but you can’t be “too” of yourself – it’s okay to be smart, but don’t be “too” smart; it’s okay to be beautiful, but don’t be “too” beautiful.” This sense of strength coupled with humility was modeled by Juanita throughout her life. Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Maybell Ake, and 3 brothers, Homer Lee Ake, Jr., Samual Ake, and Jerry Ake. She is survived by her loving daughters, Leslie (Troy) Randolph and Anita Dixon; four brothers, Billy Jack Ake, Johnny Ake, Paul (Tina) Ake, and Pat Ake; 3 nephews and 6 nieces.
What’s your fondest memory of Juanita?
What’s a lesson you learned from Juanita?
Share a story where Juanita's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Juanita you’ll never forget.
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