Dixie Baughn Keaton

Dixie Baughn Keaton, 97, died Thursday, August 18, in Lynchburg. Born on October 18, 1924, in Page, W.V., she was a daughter of the late Nina Myrtle (Perry) and Harry Stark Baughn and the sister of the late Clarence “Shorty” Baughn, Robert Alton Baughn and Helen Baughn Kincaid.

Dixie moved to Lynchburg in 1937, graduated from E.C. Glass High School in 1941, and went to work as a telephone switchboard operator downtown. In 1946, she met and wed Charles E. Keaton, who preceded her in death after 51 years of marriage. In the past several years, Dixie was also preceded in death by two sons, Robert Dennis Keaton (Betsy) and Bruce Michael Keaton (Gayle), and a grandson, Timothy Michael Keaton. She is survived by two sons, John Charles Keaton (Barbara) of Isle of Palms, S.C., Paul Joseph Keaton (Rebecca) of Forest; and three daughters, Laura Keaton Morrison (Paul) of Lynchburg, Mary Margaret Keaton Yodzis (J.B.) of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Virginia Keaton Lemley (Bryan) of Forest. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren — Sarah Morrison Wardrop (Richard); Paul Morrison, III; Paige Keaton Snow (Jody); Robert Keaton (Jennifer); Michael B. Keaton (Angie); Charles Keaton (Danielle); Benjamin Keaton; Patrick Yodzis (Claire); Diana Yodzis Heasty (Bryan); Peter Yodzis; Zachary Keaton; Jessica Keaton; Katherine Keaton-Lemley; and Emma Lemley; plus 18 great-grandchildren — Mary Grace, Luke and Anna Wardrop; Riley Snow; Haleigh, Liam, Ella and Emeric Keaton; Joseph, Cecilia and Julia Yodzis; Elizabeth, Brendan, Brigid, Genevieve, Moira and Seamus Heasty; and Callan Keaton; and two beloved nieces, Cindy Baughn Roberts (Daniel) of Bedford, Va., and Anne Baughn Hagen (John) of Mosley, Va.

Dixie lived on her own as a widow for 23 years and was known for her independence and spunk and her “red rider” walker. She was a parishioner of Holy Cross Catholic Church for 76 years and proud that all seven of her children graduated from Holy Cross School and many of her grandchildren attended the school.

A traditional Catholic wake will be held Sunday, Aug. 21, 3-5 p.m. at Whitten Timberlake Chapel, beginning with recitation of the Rosary at 3 p.m. and followed by a catered reception, where family and friends will share stories about Dixie and enjoy music she loved.

A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, Aug. 22 at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, followed immediately by a luncheon in the church commons.

The Rite of Committal at the gravesite at Fort Hill Memorial Park will take place at 2 p.m.

Contributions in Dixie's memory may be made to a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whittentimberlake.com for the Keaton family.