On May 14, 2024, Virginia Frances Wade Dixon Mayo, 101, entered the Kingdom of Heaven, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Vinton, Virginia to Dunzemore and Ruehamah Wade, on Oct. 27, 1922. She was one of six children.

On March 3, 1942, she married Alfred Edward Dixon Sr.  He was stationed in Florida, while serving in the Navy during WWII. Virginia joined him there and worked on an assembly line for Consolidated Aircraft supplying parts for the war effort. After the war ended, the couple moved to Bedford County, VA. While living on the farm, she taught the neighborhood black children how to read, since there was no transportation provided for them to attend school. She later petitioned the school board to send a bus for these children. They listened and a bus was provided.

In 1955, the couple moved to Hampton VA. It was during this time that she started worshipping at the First Friends Church, formerly located on Pear Ave, and faithfully attended here for the remainder of her life. She served in many positions including President of the Women's Missionary Society. She was very active in the Wythe branch of the VPI Homemakers Extension Club, where she also served as president.

Her marriage produced six children, Alfred Edward Dixon, Jr, Nancy Simmons, Annette Hart, W.L. Dixon, Jane Turner and Doug Dixon.

In 1977 her first husband passed after 35 years together. In 1980 she married her second husband, Irving M. (Jack) Mayo. They were married 34 years.

Wakefield Camp held a dear place in her heart and she and Jack spent many hours serving and ministering over the years there. Her servant's heart continued even after she moved to the Huntington Assisted Living Facility. She provided devotional materials to other residents, participated in Bible studies, visited and prayed for friends and neighbors, leaving a legacy of loving Jesus behind.
Virginia, lovingly called Grandma Ginny, loved people, especially her family. She faithfully prayed for each one by name. Her hearts desire was to see all her family know and love Jesus, so that they could be with her in Heaven.

She is survived by her children, Annette (Harris) Hart, Jane (Barry) Turner, Doug (Melody) Dixon, daughter in laws Betty Dixon and Kim Spring, step children Doug Mayo and Patty (Don) Welty. Also survived by grandchildren Kay (Jeff) Dawson, Rick Dixon, Jay (Jessica) Dixon, Amy (Keith) Eskew, Brad (Meredith) Ward, Missy (Chris) DeBoer, Michael (Billie) Hart, Robin (Jeff) Majer, Marie (David) Brandt, Wendi (Jamey) Leonard, Cathy (Josh) Smith, Nicky Spires, David (Liz) Turner, Katie (John) Tracey, Madison Turner, Justin Dixon and Corey (Lydia) Dixon. Step grandchildren Jennifer and Eric Mayo. She had twenty eight great grandchildren and seventeen great-great grandchildren to round out her large family.

She is preceded in death by both parents Dunze and Ruie Wade, both husbands, Ed Dixon and Jack Mayo, sons Sonny Dixon and W.L. Dixon, and daughter Nancy Simmons.

The family would like to thank the staff and healthcare providers at The Huntington for giving exceptional care to our Mom over the past two and half years.  Also, thanks to the Heartland hospice staff who gave Mom great comfort care.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 6:30PM at the Hampton Friends Church, 1062 Big Bethel Rd., Hampton, VA 23666. Visitation immediately following service.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son  Funeral Home.