Dixie Lee Johnson

Dixie Lee (Elwell) Johnson was born on August 27, 1933, the daughter of Thomas and Eva (Myer) Elwell in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She was baptized into the Methodist faith in Manilla and was later confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Buck Grove. She graduated from Manilla High School with the class of 1951.

Dixie was united in marriage to Russell R. Johnson on November 18, 1951, and the couple was blessed with six children: Cynthia, Thomas, Elizabeth, Russell, Robert and Tamie. The couple divorced in 1981. After graduating from college, she worked as a licensed nursing home administrator and a licensed practical nurse. A few of her places of employment were the Denison Care Center, Eventide, Crawford County Home Health, and the Sioux City Nursing Home.

Dixie was a member of AARP and Elderbridge. She was presented several awards throughout her lifetime, to name a few: American Red Cross 25+ Gallons of Blood, Governor's award for Volunteerism, LPN Nursing Award, Licensed and Long-Term Nursing Home Administration Award. She was proud to have obtained 204 college credits after the age of 52.

Dixie had a green thumb and enjoyed tending her garden in her younger years. As she got older, she enjoyed caring for her indoor plants. She loved her pets and spending time with her family. She will be remembered for her giving nature.

Dixie passed away at the Odebolt Specialty Care Center on Friday, March 17, 2023, at the age of 89 years, six months and 18 days.

Dixie was preceded in death by her parents; two stepsisters: Evelyn and Zelma; and twin great-grandsons: Jeremiah and Isaiah Whiteing. She is survived by her six children: Cynthia (Larry) Volkmann of Odebolt, Thomas Johnson of Odebolt, Elizabeth Johnson of Wall Lake, Russell Johnson of Denison, Bob (Tina) Johnson of Altoona, and Tamie Johnson of Ida Grove; 22 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Dixie's wishes were to have her body donated to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Calhoun County Nurse Honor Guard will provide honors at the end of the Celebration of Life Visitation. Private inurnment with the family will take place at a later date in the Nishnabotna Cemetery in Manilla. Memorials may be directed to the family.