Dixie Rose Henderson Thompson, 86, of Jacksonville, IL, died Thursday, July 14, 2022, at her home. It was on May 1, 1936, when Dixie began her life on earth and July 14th, 2022, when she began her life in heaven. Dixie was born the third daughter to her parents, Lutta (DeWitt) and Jerry Henderson, at her familys home in Beardstown. The three sisters, Donnabelle, Portia Rae and Dixie Rose grew up and their bond of three very different personalities was unbreakable. These women each had six children. Family was at the center of their lives, so they shared holidays, birthdays, and any Saturday which was a good day for shopping. Dixie married her high school sweetheart and welcomed their children: Rosalee, Matthew, Hero, Tony, Ruthie, and Jimmy Jay. When it became apparent that Dixie would be single-handedly raising her kids, she accepted a job from Monsignor Driscoll and moved to Jacksonville in 1965. Thus began her beloved career at Our Saviour Grade School. She retired (sort of) in 1997, only to volunteer with testing and teaching art classes to all the grades for many years. Dixies love for that school was seen in many fund-raising activities over the years. She sold Dreams tickets, sold prayers for "friends" raising scholarship money, sewed doll clothes for the silent auction, the list goes on and on. Dixie was an accomplished seamstress and sewed many wedding and bridesmaids dresses to supplement her income. She continued attending college part time during the summers to earn her bachelors and then her masters degrees from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado. She taught for a short time at MacMurray College after retiring from Our Saviour. Dixie also supported and helped instill the love of reading to all of her grandchildren as they came into her life. She cared for kids before and after school for working moms. Dixie travelled as often as possible. She taught sewing lessons from her home. Dixie was a Girl Scout Leader who proudly travelled with her scouts to Mexico. She was involved in the Legion of Mary and the Catholic Daughters of America where her greatest joy was giving out the scholarships. With all of these jobs and hobbies, Dixies house was the hub for coffee and cigarettes around the kitchen table with neighbors while the kids played kick ball and hide-n-seek outside. Everyone was welcome at Dixies house. She often laughed saying it felt like that house had a revolving door that never closed. Her friends were many. She never met a stranger. The last four years of her life required outside help to make living at home possible. Dixie had the best caregivers. She enjoyed their company and appreciated their devotion. A special thanks goes out to these gals as we, her kids, could not have done it without them. So, to you all (Zelda, Angie, Morgan, Nina, Gemma, Debi, Tammy, Geri, Jessica, Theresa, Kelly, Josie) we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. A funeral mass will be celebrated 12 p.m. Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Church of Our Saviour. The family will meet friends 10 a.m.-12 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Private burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Our Saviour School Tuition Fund. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com. . Visitation Church of Our Saviour Saturday, July 23, 2022 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 462 East State Jacksonville, Illinois 62650 Funeral Mass Church of Our Saviour Saturday, July 23, 2022 12:00 PM 462 East State Jacksonville, Illinois 62650