Grace Morton Dixon

September 6, 1924 – December 29, 2019

GRACE LUCY MORTON DIXON was the first born of four children to the union of the late Mary Elizabeth Pierce and the late Lawrence Morton, Sr. on September 6, 1924 in Baltimore, Maryland. She was reared in the Sugar Hill neighborhood and baptized at the First Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

She graduated from Frederick Douglass High School, Morgan State College (AB degree), University of Maryland (Certificate of Advance Study), and St Mary’s Seminary (Master in Theology degree). She was especially proud of being one of the first African Americans to receive a Master’s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University.

During her numerous years as an educator, she taught English, history, facilitated as a reading specialist and functioned as an administrator in the secondary schools of Maryland. She was particularly impressed with being a part of the faculty of Douglas High School during the mid- sixties and later, part of the Wilde Lake High School Staff in Columbia, Maryland.

Grace Dixon was a diligent worker in whatever she undertook. She was deeply involved with her family, church and projects. Over the years her special projects included clinical work at Johns Hopkins Reading Laboratory, Reading programs for children, adults and foreign professionals, seminars for the “College Bound Students” and extended hospitality to French interns.

Some of her major organizations over the years included: Treasurer of the Board of Directors of HCEA Federal Credit Union, Howard County Historical Society, H.E.A.R.T., Boosters Club of First Baptist Church, AARP, Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She held leadership roles as President of The Ashburton Child Study, Baltimore Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc, Chartering President of Iota Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Charter member of the Grandparents Club of the Glenelg Country School. After moving to Columbia she became a charter member of St. John United Methodist Presbyterian Church, USA. Her home was opened for church school while the Interfaith Center was in progress. As a member of the Church Council and numerous committees, there was energy for other activities: Chairperson for Human Relations Committee, and Bridge and Brunch Group. She was however, most happy when involved in grandparenting activities; and was even more delighted that she got to know and love her great grandchildren.

Grace’s husband Horace Dixon, daughter Brenda Gladden, sister Dr. Dolores Spriggs, and brother William Morton preceded her in death.

She leaves to mourn: her daughter, Mrs. Rayna L. Woodford; son, Mr. Philbin (Vicki) Scott; brother, Mr. Lawrence Morton; son in law, Dr. Major Gladden; grandchildren, Ms. Miriam Gladden,Esq, Dr. Paul (Paula) Gladden, Mr. William C. Woodford, Ms. Jordana S. Woodford, Dr. Nicholas (Puja) Woodford, Dr. Matthew (Kaitlin) Woodford; great grandchildren, Ivy Pearl Woodford, Gia Simone Woodford, and Charles Carroll Woodford; and a host of family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John's United Church.