On Monday, June 5, 2023, Heaven’s Gate swung open wide, and Mother Bernice Dixon entered into her Master’s joy.
Mother Bernice Dixon was born in Swainsboro, Georgia, on September 11, 1944, to the late Leo Ben Wilkins and Tecola Wadley Wells. She was raised in a loving Christian home that while devoid of material goods was overflowing with a wealth of love, kindness, generosity, and compassion. Mother Bernice Dixon was educated in the public schools of Emanuel County. She was a graduate of Swainsboro High School and a life-long supporter of the Rattlers. At an early age, she united with the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church. She served faithfully for many years in several ministries: Missionary, Deaconess, Senior Choir, and Second Union Association. Her Christian walk led her to become the Secretary of the Church, a role which allowed her managerial and executive abilities to flourish. Later, she served faithfully as the Mother of the Church, which she never viewed as a title she held or as a position above others. Rather, Mother Dixon’s perspective that to be the Mother of the Church is a living testimony unto God; for she was cognizant that faith without works is dead.
She met and married Eddie Dixon, Sr., and to this union, two children were born. Mother Dixon was a Proverbs 31 woman, one who could put her anointed hands to any task and do it superbly. Her husband and children lacked for nothing, and from the abundance of her blessings, she shared with others in her church and her community. Because of her Proverbs 31 character and habits, she justifiably earned many accolades, including being named Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year during her outstanding professional career. Mother Dixon was employed by Sportswear for 25 years and Ithaca for 8 years. She worked at Azalea Healthcare for 22 years, until the time of her departure. Within her community, Mother Dixon was innovative in transporting kids to various extracurricular activities. She ensured no one went hungry, and she was always prepared to provide what children needed. She didn’t see feeding the hungry as a duty or chore; instead, she enjoyed making sure everyone was fed. Mother Dixon was kind-hearted and loving to everyone. She believed in giving God true praise. She praised the Most High God from whom she knew all her blessings flowed. An ardent believer in the power of prayer, she perceived that prayer does indeed change things. She lived Psalm 90, “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Mother Dixon could arouse an entire congregation with her God-given talent of orating special occasion poems and words of welcome. Many of her words of expression and inspiration were highly original and authored by her. When she rose to speak, she was like E.F. Hutton, everyone listened. With a passion, she loved her church, her Pastor, and her family, but most importantly, she loved her God. Having lived so close to the Lord, she knew that her time was winding down, and she was able to say, “I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith, I have finished my course… I am now ready.” She prepared to move to her heavenly home by loving the Lord with all of her heart, mind, body, and soul.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Dixon, Sr.; four sisters: Virginia (Charlie) Mincey, Gensye (Henry) Ricks, Frances (Morgan) Smith, and Sally Wilkins; and one brother, Leo Wilkins. Mother Dixon was also preceded in death by sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Rev. Dr. Bobbie Jean Dixon Fann, Rosie Lee Brown, Audrey Jean Leonard, Willie (Maude) Palmer, Johnny Lee Carter, and Addison Carter. She leaves to cherish many precious memories: her son, Eddie (Phyllis) Dixon, Jr. of Stillmore, and her daughter, Shelby (Alvin, Sr.) Jones of Beech Island, South Carolina; her grandchildren: Eddie “Bear” (Edwina) Dixon, III, of Jacksonville, Florida; Erica (Scenario) Hillman and Erin Dixon, both of Stillmore; Jazly Jones, of Beech Island, South Carolina; Shemekia McMillan of San Antonio, Texas; Alvin (Taleathia) Jones, Jr., of Augusta; and Felisha (Joe) Jones of Waynesboro; one brother-in-law, James Pete Dixon of Los Angeles, California; two special friends: Gennie Mae Blair and Hortense Moody; several great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Mosley’s Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
