Nadine S. Parker Dixon, was born on October 20, 1936 to the union of Raymond M. and Viola B. Fitzgerald Parker in Welch, West Virginia. She departed this life on Monday, January 17, 2011. Both parents predeceased Ms. Dixon as did her Aunt and Uncle (Frank and Lillie Younger) who became her caretakers following the death of her mother (Viola) when Nadine was the tender age of nine months old. She was predeceased by her sisters Evelyn Younger Robinson, Christine Younger Redman and Gloria Parker Whorley; and brothers James Randolph Younger, Raymond Parker Jr., and John C. Parker.

Ms. Dixon was educated in the McDowell County, W.Va. school system, having received a four year scholarship to West Virginia State College, where she attended for three years and graduated from Bluefield State College, Bluefield, W.Va., receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secretarial Science. She met and married Merle R. Dixon of Toledo, Ohio and to that union, two lovely daughters were born, who were the delight of both of their parents. While in high school, Ms. Dixon was a member of the National Honor Society, Future Homemakers of America, Glee Club and was crowned Homecoming Queen of Elkhorn High School. While attending West Virginia State College, she served as Business Manager and Circulation Manager of the college newspaper, “The Yellow Jacket;” and was inducted into the sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in 1958.

Upon moving to Toledo, Ohio, Nadine was employed by the then Toledo State Hospital as a secretary and by the City of Toledo, where she held various professional positions and retired in 1994 as Supervisor Enforcement Support Staff. Nadine was raised up in the church from an early age. At her hometown church, Upland Baptist, she served as a Sunday School teacher of the teenage class, when she herself was a teenager, a choir member, served on the Usher Board and was a delegate to several Sunday School conventions. She joined the Friendship Baptist Church, under the pastorate of the late Rev. G. J. Johnson in May, 1961, and continued to serve under the pastorate of Bishop Dr. D. C. Tisdale. She served as president of the Dorothy Jean Yates Circle, president of the Senior Choir, member of the Mother’s Board, and chaired many church and pastoral anniversaries including serving as co-chair of Friendship’s 100th church anniversary, as well as the retirement celebration for the late Rev. Johnson.

Fondly known as “Mother Dixon”, Nadine was loved by many and was often sought by young and old for her counsel, listening ear, business sense, practical and godly wisdom and humor. A generous woman with a heart of service, she blessed many with her time, gifts and generosity. Her life and faith will be richly rewarded by Jesus Christ.