Dixie McGhee Grigsby Stewart

On June 19, 2016, just 2 days after celebrating her 87th birthday, Dixie McGhee Grigsby Stewart left this world to celebrate her heavenly birthday in the presence of her Lord and Savior. We mourn her passing but rejoice in the knowledge that she is at peace with all her loved ones who have gone before her. She spoke of these family and friends often and longed for the day that they be reunited. What a reunion it must have been!

Mrs. Stewart was born in Chattanooga, TN, on June 15th, 1929 to Luther Napoleon and Anna Gertrude McGhee Grigsby. As a young girl, she desired to do all she could for the American troops during World War II, so she lied about her age and rode a train every day to work at a munitions factory. Dixie was even awarded a commendation from President Roosevelt for her service in the war effort. As an adult her resilience and drive would be evident again when raising her four children after her husband’s passing. She began her decades-long career as a waitress and fixture at the West Gadsden Cafe, creating loving friendships with so many of Gadsden’s citizens. She was also a longtime member of Dwight Baptist Church, and more recently a member of New Beginnings Community Church.

In addition to her parents, Dixie is preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Ralph Stewart, and her siblings James W. Grigsby, Grace Gramling, Jane Kennelly, AnnaBelle Pogue, and Mae White. She is survived by her sister Patsy (Bill) Bowers, and children Jerry (Ella Ruth) Stewart, Terry (Brenda) Stewart, Elizabeth (Gary) Ashley, and Mary Jane (Michael) Anderson. In addition to these loved ones are 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Dixie McGhee Grigsby Stewart led a life full of love and laughter. She will be remembered as a woman who could make the best chicken and dumplings you’ve ever tasted and a german chocolate cake to boot. She had an enormous heart for helping others and a spirit to get you through anything. We will love and miss her dearly and look forward to our own heavenly reunion with our Mother, Sister, Nana, and friend.

To God be the Glory.

The service is being lovingly provided by Dr. R. Gary Ashley. Visitation will be held at Collier-Butler Funeral Home June 22 from 10:30-12:30, with the service to follow at 12:30. Graveside service immediately following at Crestwood Cemetery.