Edna Dixon Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Edna M. Dixon, 73, of Kankakee, IL, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Presence Our Lady of Victory Nursing Home in Bourbonnais, IL, following a lengthy illness. Visitation will be Friday, October 25, 2019 from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Lax Mortuary and again on Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 9:00 A.M. until time of funeral services at 10:00 A.M. at Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Howard Wills Sr. will officiate. Burial will be in Mound Grove Gardens of Memory. Edna Mae Bryant Dixon was born October 9, 1946 to Elmore Bryant, Sr. and Willie Lee Bryant in the rural town of Friars Point, Mississippi. She was the fourth child of fourteen siblings. Edna began her Christian experience by attending Armstead Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where she was baptized at age ten. Years later, she joined New Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church under leadership of the late Reverend Cleve Minter. Through the years, she was affiliated with several churches, most recently with Genesis Community Ministries of Kankakee. During the summer of 1967, Edna relocated to Chicago, Illinois where she met and married Cornelius Dixon; together they lovingly reared two children, Tiffany and Jamal Dixon. She loved and was devoted to her family; she appointed herself as the defender and protector as she often reminded us that she was the oldest. Edna Mae’s earliest work history, (besides chopping and picking cotton), began with her employment with Western Electric in Cicero, Illinois, but her heart strings pulled her to serve the neediest, most underprivileged and poverty stricken communities. Edna acquired an education beginning at Friars Point Elementary, Coahoma Agricultural High and Junior College. She finished her undergraduate studies at University of Illinois (Circle Campus). While raising her children, she completed her studies at the University of Iowa, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology. Following short periods in Iowa and Scott Bluff, Nebraska, she relocated once again to rural Illinois, settling in Kankakee, Illinois to work God purposed for her life. She worked in District 111 and Pembroke School District 259 as the Speech Pathologist to many underprivileged children, which she loved. Edna received many accolades and achievements. She was well respected in her community and school. Edna Mae’s true passions were reading (she was an avid reader and loved books), writing, public speaking and drama. She made her acting debut in 2008 starring in Lorraine Hansberry’s acclaimed, “A Raisin in the Sun,” produced and directed by Dr. B.J. Howery. Many years later, her performance remembered fondly. Edna leaves loving memories with her children, Tiffany and Jamal; five grandchildren, Jelisa, Kimberlyn, Muriah, Jasmine and Jayden; one great-granddaughter, Nyomi; three sisters, Doris Stine, Ivy and Constance; six brothers, Elmore, Elton, Marion, Bruce, Andrew and Michael; five sisters-in-law, Dorothy, Essie, Ella Jean, Beverly and Angelique; two brothers-in-law, Ben and Steven; 28 nieces and nephews; 25 great nieces and nephews; eight great-great nieces and nephews; four maternal aunts, Aretha (Charles), Evelyn, Earsey (Henry) and Sadie Ann; one paternal uncle, Earl and a bevy of cousins, friends, neighbors and loved ones. Special friendships with Dr. B.J. Howery, Mrs. Carol Wills and Ms. Williemae Olugbade. She was preceded in death by her loving parents; one sister, Joyce; two brothers, her twin, Eddie, and Herbert; paternal grandparents, Andrew and Alder Bryant and maternal grandparents, William and Minnie Brown. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

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Edna Dixon

October 9, 1946 - October 12, 2019