"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

2 Timothy 4:7

99 YEARS, ONE MONTH AND ONE DAY!  Oh, what a mighty God we serve.

Beatrice Miller Dixon was gifted to the world on December 26, 1920 in Gray (Terrebonne Parish), Louisiana — the ninth of 14 children — to Willie and Selina Miller.  She passed into eternal rest on Monday, January 27, 2020 at a local care facility surrounded by family.

Sis. Dixon was first and foremost a woman of faith, an exceptional mother . . . and a great cook!  She will be     remembered for her love for her church family AND her immediate family.  She befriended and mentored many, especially those who share her love for cooking and baking.  Her pound cakes, pies, peach cobblers and cornbread were legendary.

Before it was fashionable or advisable, Sis. Dixon had Dixon's Coffee Shoppe and Luncheonette built in front of her residence in 1957, which she owned and operated for 20 years. She worked hard but smart, and expected no less of her children and those with whom she worked. She would say, "If you do it right the first time, you won't have to do it again."  Still, her giving heart and perhaps her own memories of being hungry in childhood led her to feed many who claimed to be without means.

As further testament to her work ethic (and perhaps the economics of life), Sis. Dixon proudly served as chief cook for the children and staff at the New Sunlight Baptist Church Day Care Center in Lake Charles until the age of 79.

Early in life, Sis. Dixon and members of her birth family united with the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Lake Charles, Louisiana. When she turned 21, she followed her dream and joined the Christian Baptist Church during a night service, influencing several family members to unite with Christian Baptist as well.  Sis. Dixon was recognized in more recent years as her church's eldest member.  Past church affiliations include membership in ADA Circle #3 of the Women's Missionary Union; Assistant Sunday School Instructor; member of the Senior Choir; and assistance provided to the Area-Wide Baptist Youth Movement.  Sis. Dixon remained a faithful tither and member of the Deaconess Board until her passing.

She leaves to celebrate ‑‑ and in some ways emulate her long and full life ‑‑ two daughters, Brenda (Marvin) White of Lake Charles, and Henri Etta Kenyatta of Carson, California; two grandchildren, Chaka Kenyatta of  Bellevue, Washington and Shenia (Edward III) Jones of Atlanta, Georgia; three great grandchildren (Edward IV, Shannon and Evan Jones) and two great great-grandsons (Adonis and Adrien Robinson); two sisters, Alma Southwell of Compton, California and Daisy Cooper of Los Angeles, California; a special "daughter" Barbara Martin of  Gonzales, Louisiana; and a bunch of beloved nieces and nephews.