Dixie Carmen Childress

Born on November 20, 1937, in Bridgeport, Illinois, to Opal Marguerite Beam Fiscus and Burl Cabot Fiscus, Dixie was the youngest of four children. She was raised in a Christian home in Lawrenceville, Illinois, attended Arlington Elementary School, Lincoln Junior High School, and graduated from Lawrenceville Township High School. She knew Christ as her Savior from a young age and grew up attending First Christian Church in Lawrenceville.

After high school, Dixie pursued her certification as an X-ray technician from Edgewater Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Dixie worked weekends during high school at the hospital in Lawrenceville to pay her way through X-ray school. When she would come home on weekends, she would take call and continue to earn money to pay for her schooling. Dixie had an exceptionally strong work ethic. Upon receiving her X-ray certification, she accepted a full-time position at Lawrence County Memorial Hospital in Lawrenceville. Dixie enjoyed her time working at the hospital and made many special friends working there.

Dixie married Don Edward Childress on October 8, 1961, and they made their home in Lawerenceville. Following Don’s transfer with Texaco in March of 1965, they moved to Houston, Texas, where they put down roots for the rest of their life and raised their two children. Together, they formed many lifelong friendships with Don’s fellow Texaco co-workers and their families.

Dixie’s Christian faith was evident in her actions and her consistent service to others. She was active in the church serving numerous terms as a Deaconess. She had a heart for others and was dedicated to supporting friends and families in times of need. Her signature dish, Chicken Tetrazzini, paired with peas and a green salad, became a comforting staple for those recovering from illness or experiencing the loss of a loved one. Dixie and Don shared a deep love for serving others.

For over ten years, Dixie bravely battled breast cancer. Even as she faced her own health challenges, she lovingly cared for Don during his struggle with dementia. Her devotion to him was a testament to her strength and compassion. Sadly, she, too, faced dementia in her later years.

Family and friends were at the heart of Dixie’s life. She cherished time with her children and grandchildren, finding great joy in attending their numerous sporting events and other extracurricular activities. In 2008, Dixie and Don joined Tallowood Baptist Church, along with a number of their friends. Ultimately, The Praisers Class at Tallowood would be where Dixie and Don found their most cherished friendships and relationships later in life. Dixie looked forward to and enjoyed her bi-weekly card/game days and weekly lunch outings with the ladies from The Praisers class.

Dixie is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Childress of Scottsdale, AZ, and her son and daughter-in-law, Don and Shannon Childress of Houston, TX; her grandchildren Peyton Michelle Childress, Kyle Goodman Childress, and Claire Jennings Childress; her sister-in-law, Freida Childress Bolton of Evansville, IN; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Tallowood Baptist Church on Saturday, August 31, at 11:00 a.m. for a memorial service to celebrate Dixie’s life. A reception will follow at the church. Tallowood Baptist Church is located at 555 Tallowood Rd, Houston, TX 77024.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospitality Apartments, P. O. Box 25213, Houston, TX 77265-5213.