She was born on March 31, 1923, in New Richland, Minnesota. One of seven children, she grew up helping out on her parents’ farm in nearby Albert Lea. She adored her father Vernon C. and mother Anna Mae (Dutton) Smith, and quite often enjoyed sharing memories from those times.
Verna’s independent spirit prompted her to venture to Washington, D.C., as a young professional. She worked as a secretary in the Pentagon building before meeting her future husband William Howard Dixon, Sr., one Sunday while attending church. The two soon after were married Nov. 18, 1943, in Greensboro, which is where the young couple settled down and raised two sons William Howard, Jr., and Larry Wayne.
On Sept. 30, Verna was reunited with her husband, sons, parents and siblings as God opened His arms and welcomed her to her Heavenly home. She is survived by two daughters-in-law, seven grandchildren, their spouses, a host of great grandchildren and a special friend Teri Anne Valentine.
Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, Oct.6th, 2:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Hanes Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel is assisting the Dixon family.
