Zena Marie Dixon

A memorial service for Zena Marie Prettyman Dixon, 90, will be held at Thomasville First United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 2 at 11:00am with a family visitation following. A private graveside service will be held before the memorial. The reverends James Sapp, Bob Dixon, and Bill Pillon will officiate.
Mrs. Dixon passed away August 30, 2017 at her home in Thomasville, Georgia surrounded by a loving family. Mrs. Dixon was born in Marion, Ohio to the late Paul and Helen Prettyman. A part of her life was spent in the home of her maternal grandparents Cornell and Mabel Beerbower. She graduated from Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky where she was a cheerleader. While there she enjoyed visiting and watching the Kentucky Derby with friends. Mrs. Dixon came to Thomasville in 1949 and began teaching at Vashti School for girls. She married Byron Alfred Dixon (founder of Al Dixon’s Men’s Wear) on August 5, 1950. Mrs. Dixon taught speech, social studies, and was the advisor for the thespians at Thomasville High School for 17 years. She was admired and loved by her students and faculty who honored her with the dedication of the 1959 edition of the Pines yearbook. Through the years she has served as a teacher, volunteer, trustee, Friends of Vashti Auxiliary and coordinator of volunteer services. In 2008 she received the Vashti Center’s Humanitarian Award for her dedication to Vashti.
Mrs. Dixon was an active member of Thomasville First United Methodist Church where she taught the Sue McTier Sunday School Class for over 40 years. She was president of the UMW Unit for many years receiving the UMW award for Quiet Disciple in 2003.
Mrs. Dixon was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Alfred Dixon, infant son William Alfred Dixon, and brother Gene Prettyman.
Survivors include daughter Karen Dixon Wilks, husband Jack. Son Byron Alfred Dixon, Jr. (Ron) wife Carol, all of Thomasville. Son Charles Burton Dixon of Norcross, GA. Grandchildren Byron Thomas Daniel, Mandeville, LA, Martha (Marti) Harrell, Anne Marie Dixon all of Thomasville, Radeen Dixon, Norcross, GA, Lake Forrest Dixon, Thomasville. Great granddaughters Payton Grace Harrell and Niah Kathryn Daniel. Other survivors include special cousins Burton Barnard and Bea Bigony, Menomonie, WI and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mrs. Dixon’s life was filled with family, many friends, her church and Jesus Christ her Lord and Savior.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to TFUMC, P.O. Box 975, Thomasville, GA 31799. Vashti Center 1815 E. Clay Street, Thomasville, GA 31792 or Hospice of Southwest Ga, 114 Mimosa Dr., Thomasville, GA 31792.
Allen and Allen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Guests may sign the online register at www.allenfh.com .