Jean was born to Charles William and Laura Lanelle Massey in 1930 in Memphis, TN. She began her early schooling years in Osceola, AR, moved to Poplar Bluff, MO in 1938. The family returned to Memphis in 1940, where Jean attended Treadwell School, 5th and 6th grade. By 1947, Jean was elected county president and State secretary for the Future Homemakers of America; and served as the local county president and State secretary for that organization. She was selected by the faculty to the first Girls State of Tennessee. She was then elected governor of the program and attended Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. She graduated from Millington Central High School in 1948.
Jean married, moved to Boaz, Alabama, where she worked at Boaz Mills and served as Choir Director at the Julia Street Methodist Church. Jean returned to Memphis and was elected President of the Wesleyan Service Guild of Schoolfield Methodist Church.
Jean had three children. She moved to Fruitport, Michigan in the early 70s, and was proud of her career at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI, where she worked in Human Resources for 21 years, from 1972-1993. She fondly described her work there as “one of the most wonderful jobs ever.” She served as the first female president of Tri-Cities United Way; served on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Michigan; and for Child and Family Services. After retirement, she moved back to her hometown of Memphis. She became Director of the chorus for the Lewis Center for Senior Citizens, singing at numerous nursing homes for 21 years. Every member loved her beautiful voice and dedication.
Jean, affectionately known as “JJ” to her family, joyfully touched the lives of so many. She was a very warm and caring person who loved spending time with her family and friends. She was an intelligent, strong woman, working hard to raise her children with faith in the Lord and faith in themselves. Everyone she knew was touched by her kind heart, her gratitude, and her faith. Our world will never be the same without our beloved JJ in it.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Charles William and Laura Lanelle Massey; husbands Billie Joe Densford, George L. Waldo, and Charles C. Dixon.
Jean is survived by her three children: Donna Harris (Paul), Laura Bledsoe, and Mark Densford (Susan). Her other children, whom she loved dearly, are: Sharon Cappadona (Joe), Kathy Holcomb (Robert), Linda Melton, Jackie DuPuis (Rick) and Dale Waldo, Sr. (Helen). JJ’s grandchildren are Adrienne (Thomas) Carlson (Blair), Paul Harris, Jr. (Gina), Thomas Bledsoe, Taylor Bledsoe, Ryan Densford, Maris Densford, Mike Waldo (Sherry), and Dale Waldo, Jr., Eric Nichols (Christina), Summer Bailey, Cody Holcomb, and Lauren Arnold (Josh). Jean also leaves her precious fourteen great-grandchildren, as well as nephews Robert Burns and Tommy Best.
Visitation will be at 9am on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, followed by the service at 10am at Family Funeral Care, located at 4925 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN 38122. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to your charity of choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FamilyFuneralMemphis.com for the Dixon family.
