Graveside services for Virginia Earlene Dixon, age 91 of Ruston, are scheduled for 1:00 PM, Friday, January 19, 2024 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 4000 Monroe Highway, Ball, LA 71405.  Services are under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.

Virginia Earlene Dixon was born to Virgie and Earl Flanagan, October 4, 1932, in Winnsboro, LA and died January 11, 2024 in Ruston LA .  She moved with her family to Alexandria, LA at age 12 and graduated from Bolton High School in 1951.   Earlene held various banking positions before working in civil service at England Air Force Base then ultimately at the Pentagon in Washington, DC.  She served there for 3 years before her retirement and her move back to Louisiana.   All 3 of her children, Robert Prince Crooks (wife Heather), Clarence "Sonny" Crooks, III and Virginia Ann Bradford (husband Leon), were killed in tragic accidents.  Robert in a car accident; Sonny in a hunting accident; and Virginia Ann in a car accident.

Robert is survived by one son, Robert David Crooks and wife Heather and their daughter, Ashland Brossette; Sonny is survived by his daughter, Danielle Glaze and her son Thurston; and Virginia Ann (husband Leon Bradford) is survived by triplets:  Evan Bradford, age 28 and wife Teresa; Victoria Bradford, age 28; and Audrey Bradford Wise, age 28 and husband Adam.  Great-grandchildren include Claire, Gabriel, and Hollyn Bradford; Zachary and Peter Wise; Mason, Chaidlynn, and Channah Brossette; and Karston and Bella Crooks.

Siblings of Earlene include Mary Francis Crouch and husband Richard, both deceased; and Carolyn Talton and husband Billy Jack.  Mary Francis's children include Patti, Keith, Carolyn, and Anne.  Carolyn's children include Tanya McGowan White and husband Ricky and their children Sean McGowan and wife Kaitlyn and children Juliette and Caroline Claire McGowan; Brian McGowan and wife Calyn; and Jack Talton and wife Vickie and their daughter Evangelina.

Earlene was not only a loving caregiver and dedicated professional, but also a devout Christian whose faith illuminated her life.  Her unwavering spiritual commitment enriched the lives of those around her leaving a profound impact on both family and community. While in good health Earlene enjoyed sewing, line dancing, and the Red Hats Society.

Earlene spent her last few years in Ruston under the watchful care of her sister Carolyn.  Failing health led to her placement in Alpine Rehabilitation Hospital where she died Thursday evening, January 11 under the supervision of her sister Carolyn Talton and niece Tanya white.

Earlene's enduring love for her family and faith in her Christ creates a comforting image of her reunitement with her children in heaven.  To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com