Bertha Dixon

Highlights & Reflections

Bertha Winfrey Dixon, born July 3, 1926 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the youngest of six children to the union of Nathan and Bessie Jones. She graduated to eternal life on May 20, 2012. Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, all five siblings: Walter Sr., Mary Ann, Leatha, Charity and Annie; two husbands, Harvey Winfrey and Rev. James H. Dixon, two sons, Michael and James Winfrey and one additional son gained through marriage, Jonathan Dixon.

After the home-going of her first husband she was left to raise her seven children alone. Later she met and married Rev. James Dixon in May, 1980.

She confessed her belief in Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. In 1957 she united with Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church under the Pastorate of the late Rev. James C. Wynn. Sis. Bertha remained a faithful member at Morning Star throughout the Pastorate of Dr. Calvin A. Harper (Emeritus) and current Pastor Jerome Clay.

During her tenure at Morning Star she served in many ministries which include: Vacation Bible School (VBS) teacher, Matrons, Baptist Training Union (BTU), and the Women's Ministry. Her most notable service was her ministry of music where she taught and played the piano. She was the musician for the Rosebud and Junior Choirs for over 50 years. Also she was the Senior Choir and Evening Stars musician for a number of years.

Sis. Bertha was also the volunteer musician for the Tuesday Morning Prayer and Bible Study class at Allen Temple A.M.E. church and at the services of Gospel House of Prayer, where her late husband Rev. James Dixon was Pastor.

She had a great love for working with children as she extended her ministry from the home and church into the Cincinnati Public School system for over 21 years where she served in the lunchroom at Burdette Elementary School, later being promoted to Lunchroom Manager at Millvale Elementary School until retirement.

Sis. Bertha leaves to cherish with loving memories, daughters: Patricia (Rufus) McCall, Donna (Dudley) Quarles, Shirley (Elder Joseph) Dudley, Joan (Louis) Chisley; sons, Richard Winfrey, Minister John (Carla) Winfrey and Joseph Dixon; 12 grandchildren, Michelle, Sheila, Richie, Lisa, Michael, Chris (Genice), Marc, Sherdell Sr., Edwin, Ashley, Amberly and John Cameron; 25 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nephews, great-nephews, nieces, great-nieces, relatives and friends.