Thelma Jean Dixon

Thelma Jean Dixon was born In Oak Grove, Louisiana to the union of Ernest Parker Sr. and Thelma (Lottie) McClain Parker on January 31, 1935.  She was the eldest of four children born to this union.

Jean as she was affectionately known, resided with her parents in Eudora, AR until the age of eight.  Her mother and her siblings moved to Chicago where their father served in the military. During this time, he attended Shoop Elementary School.

At the age of 12, her mother passed away, so she and her siblings were sent to live with their grandmother and aunt in Oak Gove, Louisiana where she attended Cedar Grove School in 1951, she and her siblings moved back to Chicago with their father; there she graduated from Finger High School in 1953.

In 1956, her father married Louise Wright, and to this union she gained for more siblings

One June 16, 1957, Jean married Albert "Gump" Dixon whe was the love of her life and preceded her in death.

Jean was a faithful and dedicated member of Greater New Testament Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Ruby Saulsberry and currently Rev Alfred Saulsberry, where the ministry was to serve as an Usher.

Jean worked as a Teller at Seaway Bank for many years until her retirement in 1991.  The only fully owned and operated African American bank in Chicago, Illinois.

Jean became a "masterful and artistic" seamstress, after being taught the skill as a teenager by her grandmother, Ollie Davenport.  Her artistry was reflective in her flawless and uniquely crafted clothing; wedding dresses, prom dresses, African attire, and head piece designs just to name a few.  Her pieces were not only seen by those who purchased her products, as she was a walking billboard on display.  Anyone who could take bath towels and create gorgeous house was was unique!

Jean said good bye on October 9, 2023.  Left to cherish her memories are; brothers, Ernest Jr. Dwayne Sr., Byron Sr. and Anthony (Denise) Parker; sisters, Barbara (Henry Jr.) Waller and Kimberly Parker; nieces, Debra Parker, Shawnda Henry Candice (Anthony) Duncan, Jontil (Devin) Gruggs, Octavia (Keeaton) Walls, Brianna (Anthony) Parker-Gills, Ashland Parker, Waylon Walls-Parker, and Elisa Baggett; nephews, Henry Waller III, Byron Parker Jr. Dwayne Parker Jr., Trent (Amani) Shambee, Robert and Cameron Jackson, Christopher Henry Jr. and Cornelius Dykes Jr.; cousin, Judy Dixon.

Family members who preceded her in transition; her parents, brother, Nolan Curtis Parker; niece, Brady Dikes; step-mother, Louise Wright Parker and sister-in-law, Sachiko Parker.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thelma Jean Dixon, please visit our floral store.