Our beloved wife and mother, Dixie Lee Davis Edwards, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 12, 2023. She is reunited with her brothers and sisters and other dear family members, especially her daughter, Anna Lee, who just recently passed.
She was born in Leland, Utah to Glenn & Edna Davis. She was the seventh of eight children. She was two years old when her family moved to California at the beginning of WWII. It was there she contracted childhood polio and actually became a poster child for the disease. She was told she would never have children, but little did they know.
Dixie met her sweetheart at Spanish Fork High School. John was the student body president and had a real crush on her. He used his school officer privileges and had her called to the principal’s office and asked her out before one of her suitors beat him to it. They dated for two years and were sealed in the Manti, Utah Temple on July 12,1958. This July they would have celebrated 65 years. They took wonderful care of each other over the years and it was sweet to watch their love grow.
The military took them to Texas and Arizona but eventually back to Utah where they have lived in their “starter home” for 53 years.
Dixie Lee had many talents. She was a fantastic baker and cook. Her sugar cookies are a favorite and her cherry pudding cake was a Thanksgiving highlight. She was a very creative artist of landscapes, portraits and Disney characters. She had a green thumb and loved to watch things grow. Dixie was a very good seamstress. She made our Easter dresses and Halloween costumes. She loved to sing Primary songs and insisted we all sing with her. Something many might not know, she was a huge fan of Elvis Presley and could reliably be found humming his songs.
Her greatest quality was her love of everything living; plants and animals, but especially children. She proved those early doctors wrong and had seven children and loved each one of us fiercely. Our family was blessed to have one child with special needs and it was mom’s desire that each one of us grew to our greatest potential. Serving and caring for our sister Anna Lee helped this happen. We grew by watching our mother care for our sister untiringly. We knew she loved each of us unconditionally. This love stemmed from her deep and abiding love for our Savior Jesus Christ. She spoke of Him often. She prayed often. She was acquainted with Him, loved Him, and emulated Him. Her faithful example is gift we will forever cherish.
She dearly loved every neighbor, friend, bishop, church leader, visiting teacher, and was grateful for every association. Each of us loved growing up in the East Millcreek neighborhood and express our appreciation for your love and support over the years. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the tender care offered by neighbors, nurses and Bristol Hospice. Watching our dad care for our mother will be a forever treasured memory.
Dixie is survived by her loving husband Louis John Edwards. Her children: Cindy (Terrell) Taggart, John (Lu), Mark (Shannon), David (ReNae), Amy (Dave) Rosenhan, and Carol Lynn. She was preceded in death by her daughter Anna Lee, and parents William Glenn & Edna Wilson Davis.
Friends and family are invited to a viewing at the EMC 7 Ward building - 3408 S Celeste Way - on Friday, April 21, 2023 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. A morning visitation at the same building from 9:00 - 9:45 am on Saturday April 22, 2023. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 am.
