A Beautiful Life Well Lived

Grace and mercy, the two greatest gifts from God, manifest in various forms and at different times in our lives. Viola Talton Dixon of Sterlington, LA, experienced these divine gifts throughout her remarkable journey of love, from the inception of her life to her final earthly moments. Despite conflicting thoughts about leaving her beloved children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, Viola extended her hand to Jesus, finding eternal rest at the age of 91 years, 1 month, and 16 days on January 25, 2024.

Viola, the seventh blessed child of Henry Joseph Talton and Katie Moses Talton, was born on December 9, 1932. Raised alongside siblings John, Vinnie, Sam, James, Helen, Grover, Almanda, Roosevelt, and Mary, she developed a strong work ethic, assisting in household and agricultural tasks during World War 2. After graduating from Myles High School in 1951, she worked as a cook at the Commercial Solvents plant in Sterlington. Viola's journey as a hardworking woman continued as she welcomed her first son, Pratiss Henry Talton, and later met Clarence Lewis, resulting in the birth of Olemeul Clarence Lewis.

Finding love with Fred Dixon, Sr., Viola embarked on a lifelong romance, marrying him and blessing their family with Verdegra Latrice, Vanessa Marie, Jose Bernard, Freda, Sophia Yvonne, Onufrey Jerome, and Sansulan Katre. Viola's dedication extended beyond her family; in the early seventies, she worked in the bakery at Saint Francis Medical Center, earning the affectionate title "Momma Dixon" from colleagues. Viola, A spiritual leader, organized prayer meetings that established the first Church of God in Christ in Sterlington.

Known as "The Pie Lady" Viola's handmade pies became a local sensation, supporting the church financially and earning her recognition in northeast Louisiana. Her membership at the Sterlington Church of God in Christ spanned over five decades until her great-gettin-up morning, January 25, 2024.

Viola Talton Dixon was preceded in death by her parents, all her siblings, sons Pratiss, and Fred Jr., two grandsons, and seven great-grandchildren. Viola Talton Dixon is survived by daughters - Pricilla Kay (Larry), Verdegra, Vanessa, Sophia (Benjamin), and Sansulan (Brian); sons - Olemeul (Melvia), Jose (Cynthia), and Onufrey (Tammy); 26 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her homegoing celebration is on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Bethel COGIC in Monroe, LA, with visitation on February 2, 2024, at Sterlington COGIC. The graveside service will be at Long Field Cemetery in Sterlington, followed by a repast at Mt. Zion Family Life Center in Monroe, LA.