Joan Carol Dixon

Joan Carol (Snell) Dixon, age 86, passed away on February 19, 2025. Joan was born in Shelbyville, TN on November 27,1938, the third daughter of Ralph and Ruby Snell. Joan graduated from Mars Hill Bible School in Florence, AL and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at David Lipscomb College in Nashville, TN.

At Lipscomb, she met and married her husband of over 63 years, Robert (Bob) Dixon. Early in their marriage, Joan and Bob answered God’s calling to enter the foreign mission field. In the late-1960’s and early-1970’s, they spent time in Nigeria and Cameroon. Joan faithfully supported the work – acclimating to a new culture, teaching classes, and hosting on a moment's notice – all while managing and homeschooling four young children.

After moving back to the United States and settling in Indianapolis, Joan served more than two decades as secretary for Indianapolis Christian School. She made an indelible mark on the lives of many students.

After their children were grown, Joan and Bob returned to the mission field, with a long stint at the Nigerian Christian Bible College, and two shorter stints in Swaziland. All told, Joan and Bob spent a combined 15 years in African missions.

Joan loved God and lived a life of service for and because of Him. In her retirement years, Joan continued to find ways to serve. She quietly went about the business of visiting and ministering to elderly church members, widows, and shut-ins. Joan sent out hundreds of cards, each with a personalized, hand-written note of encouragement.

Joan loved her family and friends with intention, making sure that each one knew how important and special they were to her. She lovingly and patiently cared for Bob as he battled and eventually succumbed to Alzheimer’s just ten months ago.

Joan is survived by her children Mark Dixon, Michael Dixon, Jonda Pieper, and Murry (Kim) Dixon; her grandchildren Daniel, Andrew, Murry II, Charlie, Rebekah, Drake, Devin, Chace, Charity, Audree, Annie, Lily, and Molly; her siblings, Joy Brown, Jan (Jim) Brantly, Thomas (Jincy) Snell, Jerrilyn Kelley, Ken (Susan) Snell, David (Jane) Snell, and Jonathan (Lea) Snell; her twelve great-grandchildren and a host of extended family. Joan was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her parents, Ralph and Ruby Snell, her sister Jewel (Ronald) Kendrick, brother-in-law Gerald Brown, sister Jill (Russell) Watson, and brother-in-law Richard Kelley.

Joan is at peace in the arms of Jesus. Her body will be laid to rest in Orchard Hill Cemetery, Wanamaker, Indiana.

A visitation for Joan will be held Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Southeastern Church of Christ, 6500 Southeastern Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana, followed by a funeral service at 6:00 PM.