Earnestine Dixon

On Wednesday evening, September 10, 2025, God called home one of his faithful servants, Mother Earnestine Dixon, to receive her heavenly crown. Age 81 years. She was born on Sunday, May 7, 1944, in Ragland, Alabama, the daughter of Theodore (Bud) and Rosie Lee Looney.

She grew up in a loving home and graduated in 1962, from St. Clair County Training School in Pell City, Alabama. After graduation, Earnestine and her best friend, Lois Fomby, moved to Brooklyn, New York, where she worked as nanny, caring for three small children. She often recalled that she loved the children dearly but never grew fond of New York City. After ten months, she moved to Lansing, Michigan, where she was welcomed into the home of Cecil and Johnnie May Wills, who cared for her as a family member while raising their own five children.

Soon after arriving in Lansing, she began working at St. Lawrence Hospital as a Ward Clerk, verifying medical charts and assigning beds for patients. It was there, in 1965, that she met Willie Dixon, a patient recovering from a car accident. Their meeting turned into a courtship, and on Saturday, December 11, 1965, Earnestine and Willie were united in holy matrimony at Union Baptist Church in Lansing, Michigan.

Over the years, Mother Dixon held many positions and served faithfully in each. She worked at Dot Pharmacy, Cunningham’s Drug Store, General Motors, Bergen Brunswig Pharmaceuticals, and later worked for Michigan State University in food services. She was known for her strong work ethic, her culinary skills, her kindness to others, and her deep love for family.

Mother Dixon came to know and love the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age. She lived her faith by example and shared it with her two children, Terry and Kesha. She was a faithful member of Union Baptist Church, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, and near the close of her life, Galilee Baptist Church. Gentle in spirit, kind in heart, and joyful in nature, she will be remembered for her quiet strength, pleasant demeanor, and the laughter she shared with all who knew her.

After courageously battling Parkinson’s Disease, Mother Dixon peacefully transitioned from this life to eternal rest.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved children, Terry (Susie) Dixon of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Kesha Dixon of Lansing, Michigan; grandchildren, Jalitza Cardona of Lansing, Michigan, Vincent (Lauren) Dixon of Grand Rapids, Justin (Hayley) Dixon of Austin, Texas, Taylor Dixon (Johnnie Buck Jr.) of Orlando, Florida, and Matthew Dixon of Grand Rapids, Michigan; great grandchildren, Jordynn and Kori Buck; siblings Joanne Looney, Rosie Mae Looney, Marlyn Byers and Benny Carl Looney; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, and friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Dixon; parents, Theodore (Bud) and Rosie Lee Looney; and siblings, James and Dinah Looney.