Jane O'Neal Dixey

Jane O’Neal Dixey left the stage for the final time on January 11, 2019. She is survived by her loving parents Tammye Hoover Dixey of Natchez, Mississippi and Edgar Bright (Rusty) Dixey of New Orleans, brother Edgar Miles Dixey of Monroe, Louisiana, and grandmother Jane Williams Hoover, also of Natchez. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Edgar Bright and Josephine Jamison Dixey and her maternal grandfather Dale Price Hoover of Natchez. Her life was also blessed with many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

After appearing in several Natchez Little Theatre productions, Janey was accepted into Mississippi School of the Arts her junior and senior year of high school where she studied theatre. During her time there, she participated in several professional productions and, after winning on the state level, she represented Mississippi at Lincoln Center in New York at the National ESU Shakespeare Competition. After graduating from high school, Janey attended the University of Southern Mississippi to continue her theatrical studies. As a free spirit, she took time off school to travel, living in Connecticut, Arkansas, Oregon, and Washington. Janey returned to New Orleans in early 2017 to continue her educational goals.

Her story had color, drama, and adventure. She was always moving, always frantic, always fiery. Friends, family, and even total strangers often said she was the funniest person they’d ever met. She wore mismatched colorful thrift-store clothes that all seem to go together in disorder and creativity, which suited her perfectly. She was an amazing actress, on stage and off. When she sat still for more than ten minutes, it was always to do something deceptively brilliant like pop paint-filled bubbles onto poster board to see what shapes they made. Being around her often made the dull bits of life suddenly transform into crazy swoops of color and emotion, like a Jackson Pollock painting with moving brushstrokes.

Most of all, she loved fiercely. The love she gave to friends and family was buoyant and unconstrained. As an artist, actress, musician and unfailing friend, Janey’s love for life and those who were closest to her burned brightly. With her innumerable talents, humor, compassionate heart, and infectious laugh, Janey was deeply cherished by those around her and will be missed terribly.

Visitation will be at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans on Saturday, January 26th from 10am – 12:30pm. Interment will follow in the historical section of Metairie Cemetery.

The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com