Gifford R. Dixon

Sunrise: April 1, 1942 - Sunset: April 27, 2024

Gifford Sir Ramsford Dixon was born on April 1, 1942, in the parish of Hanover, Jamaica West Indies. He was the son of George Dougald Dixon and Doris Kelson, both of whom have since passed away. Gifford attended an all-age school in the parish of Hanover until the age of 9 when he moved to Kingston to live with his father and stepmother, Joyce Dixon, to continue his education.

Gifford grew up living with his father who was not a Christian. However, with the encouragement of his stepmother, Mother Joyce Dixon (Mom), he found his faith in Jesus Christ. At the age of 14, he was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ by Mother Thomas of Refuge Temple Church in Kingston, Jamaica. Just two years later, at the age of 16, Gifford began preaching and teaching the word of God. His passion and dedication to his faith eventually led him to be ordained as a Minister by Bishop Thomas of Maxfield Avenue church in Kingston, Jamaica when he was only 18 years old. It was at this young age of 18 that Gifford delivered a powerful sermon at Refuge Temple Church. During this sermon, his father, who had not been a Christian, walked in and found salvation in God. This was a truly inspiring moment that left an indelible mark on their lives. Later on, Gifford's father even became an Elder and Pastor himself.

As a Minister, Gifford preached the gospel of Jesus Christ with conviction and fervor. Although he was incredibly young compared to his peers, he visited many churches in Jamaica to preach the gospel. He was known as the Minister with a ‘built-in mic’ because when he got stirred up with the holy ghost, he would put a hand on one ear and speak so loudly that people could hear him from afar without a microphone.

Bishop Dixon was first ordained in 1960 as a minister and in 2004 he was ordained Bishop. He devoted his life to serving the Lord, and his unwavering dedication led him to pastor the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Stony Hill St. Andrew, Jamaica, which later became Bethel Apostolic Church (1968-1988). During his tenure, he held many street meetings and established two new churches (Bethel Apostolic Churches, at Ward Close and Golden Hill, Jamaica). His preaching was driven by his love for the Lord, and many people found their way to the Lord because of him. He had a significant impact on his community and beyond.

When he migrated to the United States, he attended and worked with the late Bishop Christie at Emmanuel Apostolic Church in New York. Later, he founded the General Assembly Church of Jesus Christ in New York, where he continued to spread the word of God. His passion for preaching and love for the Lord touched many lives, and he was consecrated as a Bishop by Bishop Bani Brown of the First Triumphant Church of Jesus Christ in New York. His legacy continues to inspire and uplift those who knew him, and his ministry helped guide many souls to the Lord.

After completing an apprenticeship in welding at Fitz Henley Technical School in Kingston, Jamaica, he worked at Alpart Bauxite Company for many years. Later, he migrated to the United States of America where he worked as a welder at Abetta Boilers in New York City for over two decades. In 2010, he earned a Doctor of Divinity degree. Later in life, he obtained a General Education Diploma from St. James Academy and a Certificate of Recognition from Indian River Community College in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

He is survived by his wife Lilieth Dixon, their children Steve Campbell, Rose-Ann Walters, Gene-Ann Dixon, Matthew Dixon, Deliah Billings, Pernel Dixon, and Gifford Dixon Jr., 12 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. His mother, Joyce Dixon, also survives him. Unfortunately, his son Radcliff Dixon predeceased him.

His loving family and friends will remember him as a guiding star, always pushing them toward greatness with kindness and encouragement. Bishop Dixon was an excellent preacher and teacher of the Word and other life lessons. He taught one of his sisters to cook when she came from the country to live with them. His siblings' names are Doreen, McNeil, Alberga, Letecia, Coreen, Selvin, David (deceased), Pauline (also known as Pastor Paula), Delroy, Marc, Yvonne Watson, and Vincent Watson (deceased).

His unwavering faith and dedication to spreading God's word defined him as a "fisher of men." He dedicated his life to sharing the gospel and enriching lives; always content in knowing that his true rewards awaited in heaven. He was a testament to Christ, always holding firm to His unchanging hands.

Known affectionately as G, Daddy, Grandpa, Brother G, Uncle G, Elder, Pastor, Bishop, and even the "Mand" of God—he was a beacon of strength and kindness. Gifford’s legacy lives on through his family and the people he touched with his preaching. He was a man of great faith, dedication, and kindness, who inspired many people with his words and actions.