Mrs. Constance “Connie” Dixon

Mrs. Constance “Connie” Dixon, 90, transitioned from earth to eternity on October 31, 2023.  Visitation is scheduled, Friday, November 10, 2023, 10 AM to 12 Noon with Services immediately following at 12Noon at Happy Gospel Church, 1915 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34203.

On Friday, May 19, 1933, Constance Arleen was born to Albert and Grace Woods in Brooklyn, New York. As an only child for 13 years, she grew up with her grandmother, aunts, and cousins. Being the first granddaughter in the family, she was adored by her grandmother and became affectionately known as Connie. She was predeceased in death by her parents, Albert & Grace Woods, and her brothers Marvin, James, and Thomas, and her youngest son, James.

Our mother epitomized the definition of a sacrificial mother, a true champion for her family. A mother who was fiercely protective while opening “new” doors for her children. She was building our home on Christian principles and traditions. Her love for fashion was exercised through her creativity with sewing and her culinary art. She provided cultural and educational experiences. Our home was always filled with music and the sweet aroma of food. Mommy modeled the characteristics of a virtuous woman.

After retirement, Mommy and Pop found great joy in traveling. Together, they toured the globe, soaking in the culture of different countries, from the United States to the Caribbean to Europe to South America and Mexico. Mommy did it all.

Mommy began her Christian journey at her family’s church, Bethel Tabernacle AME. She attended Sunday School and sang in the youth choir.

Our mother humbly served as a member and officer at Bethel Tabernacle AME Church, Brooklyn, NY; Allen Chapel AME Church, Riverside, California; and Greater Mt Carmel AME Church, Doraville, Georgia. Mommy’s life was an example of faithfulness and waiting on the Lord. She persevered in her faith as God delivered her through colon and breast cancer.

After a long marriage and losing her beloved George, Mommy relocated with her daughter and son-in-law to Florida. Upon relocating to Bradenton, she began her quest for a church home.

After several visits, she joined St. Stephen AME Church, plotting her faith and service. Immediately, Mommy became active in the life of St. Stephen, faithfully serving in the Lay Organization and Chairing various programs.

St. Stephen fulfilled our mother’s spiritual walk and led her to a newfound friendship with Brother Lonnie Dixon. Quickly, they became inseparable. Looking forward to spending Sunday afternoons after church having dinner and talking about the Lord.

On May 13, 2023, a beautiful Saturday morning found our mother and Mr. Lonnie becoming one under the sight of God. The happiness that Mr. Lonnie bestowed on our mother before God called her home created many of the happiest moments of her life.

And on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, God opened his arms and called her home.

Mommy was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was preceded in death by her youngest son, James.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Lonnie; her beloved children, Linda, Zaire, Deborah, and Denise; two sons-in-law, Randy Douglas and Cliff Rice; one daughter-in-law, Joanne Fuller, her bonus children, Dudley and Janell, Joyce and Chuck, Joanie and Ralph. Sixteen grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren, her stepchildren Betty, Agnes, Vernon and Regina, Sylvia and Larry, Kevin and Michelle. Along with a host of family and friends and relatives.