Gay Dixon

In the hearts of those who knew and loved her, all would agree there wasn't anyone quite like Gay Dixon. Strong of heart and with a presence all her own, Gay truly made a difference in the world around her. She loved her family, and as a mother, in all ways her love was unconditional and sacrificial. Ever dedicated, the heart of Gay continues through the memories she leaves behind.

Gay's story began at a time when the welcome end of World War II continued to bring prosperity to America well into the late 1940s. Moviegoers flocked to the theaters, and the new Buick Roadmaster was the shape of things to come for the auto industry while the postwar baby boom was in full swing. Yet nestled in the small Virginia town of Grundy, Kelly and Vergie Runyon anticipated the birth of a new child and on May 17, 1949 they lovingly welcomed Gay into their hearts.

The fifth of eventually nine girls in their bustling household, Gay attended the area schools where she excelled in her studies. Born and raised in Grundy, she was an outgoing and friendly girl who enjoyed the friendships of many. Gay served as a cheerleader in high school and was a straight A student before graduating from Grundy High School.

Gay went on to further her education. She attended Pikeville College in Kentucky where in time she earned her BA in Math and Education. From her earliest years, Gay had a love for learning which never waned.

While in college, Gay continued as a cheerleader. Ulysses “Butch” Dixon was on the basketball team, and before long they began dating. Like kindred spirits, Gay and Butch shared much in common and enjoyed many of the same things. After dating for several years and deeply in love, they were joined in marriage on July 21, 1969 in Butch's hometown of Gary, Indiana. With both of them working throughout college, duty called and they returned to Indiana where they began their new life together.

A trip to Kalamazoo, Michigan to watch Butch's brother play basketball found the young couple falling in love with the town and all it had to offer, especially Western Michigan University. After moving to Kalamazoo and while working on her Masters degree in Education from WMU, Gay worked for the Kalamazoo Public School system. She first taught at Oakwood Middle School, and for the majority of her career she worked as a math teacher at Hillside Middle School. For a short time she worked at the district's administration building, but her heart dictated her love and desire for teaching. She eventually retired six years ago.

Throughout this time, children of her own came to be a priority in Gay's life. Derrick came along in 1970, followed by Kelli who completed their family in 1975. Ever loving, Gay was an attentive and involved mother. She loved them more than anything, and did everything to meet their needs. Both of her children were quite involved soccer players, and they even bought a van for the many trips they took to soccer meets over the summer months. They also developed an extended family found within their soccer community. Gay and her family usually made an annual trip to Cedar Point which was enjoyed by all. Over the last ten years they continued traveling together to warm destinations such as Mexico and the Caribbean.

Along with working outside the home, Gay also managed to make a good home for her family. Wonderful memories were created as a family which continue to warm their hearts. Gay loved hosting Christmas each year in their home and enjoyed decorating for the holidays.

Gay immersed herself when teaching. She took her job to heart, and it was quite personal for her. Without expecting anything in return, she often spent many hours after school helping students, and even during her illness, she never used any sick pay. It brought Gay much joy running into kids from school. Everyone who was fortunate to have had Gay as a teacher came to appreciate and like math because of her. One can only dream of making such a difference in the lives of youth, and Gay did so exceedingly well.

When it came to fashion, Gay was quite stylish. Like a professional shopper, she could spot a bargain, yet quality was also important. She liked shopping, and absolutely loved going to the mall. Butch didn't care much for the mall, but often went with Gay just the same, and she shopped them all!

Gay loved reading novels of all genres. She liked sweets, and was especially fond of chocolate with nuts. Even though he never ate them, Butch loved concocting new recipes to fulfill Gay's sweet tooth. And every morning, Gay could often be found relaxing with a good cup of coffee, or two. Gay relished time spent in her flower gardens, and enjoyed art fairs, especially those in Ann Arbor.

Gay and Butch loved the casinos. They enjoyed playing the slots, and sometimes just got in the car and went. One time they decided to head for New Orleans, Louisiana, but after discovering how far it really was, they decided it was warm enough in Memphis, Tennessee, and settled there. They enjoyed visiting casinos throughout Michigan, but time spent together in Mexico was one of her favorite places. They also enjoyed the sounds of Motown.

After Gay was diagnosed with a very rare blood cancer, she spent the following two years traveling between Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor and the University of Chicago. Throughout her illness, Gay remained courageous and strong. A true fighter, she rarely complained, even after trying many of the experimental drugs available to her.

A woman of character, Gay was truly one of a kind. She adored her family, and was very passionate in her love for her them, especially her children. Ever devoted and dedicated, when Gay put her heart into something, she gave it her all, and then some. For these things and much more, Gay will be fondly remembered and missed.

At the age of 65, Gay Dixon died on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 in Kalamazoo. Members of her family include her husband of 45 years, Ulysses “Butch” Dixon; two children: Derrick and Kelli Dixon; seven sisters: Jean, Sylvia, Bo, Linda, Stella, Brenda and Connie; many nieces and nephews. Visit with Gay's family and friends on Saturday, October 11, 2014 from 3-5pm at the Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler–Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Michigan Cancer Center. To share a favorite memory or photo of Gay and to sign her online guest book before coming to the funeral home, please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.