Donna Jean Dixon

Donna Jean Dixon passed away on May 18, 2024, at the age of 86. Donna was born to parents Richard and Alice Spradling on October 1, 1937, in Oroville, California. Donna was well traveled in the state of California, even as a child. Her father worked for the California Division of Highways building the roadways that most of us still use today. They lived a bit of a travelers’ life and making the best of it, living and camping along the construction sites.

Donna came from an old-fashioned upbringing and was always a lady from the very start. When Donna was 11 years old, she became a ballerina, and she was a beauty which is not surprising to any that knew her. Donna was blessed with a beautiful sole and grace from the day she was born.

Donna's parents finally settled in Stockton, California, where Donna attended school. She eventually graduated from Stockton High School, Class of 1955. While attending high school, Donna enjoyed her time as a majorette and played the bass fiddle in the school band. While in Stockton, she was a member of the Jobe’s Daughters organization, where she learned commitment and praise. She would participate in public speaking and charity work.

After graduating, Donna eventually wounds up in Amador County. Here she found a home. Donna became a Native Daughter of the Golden West Parlor Chispa Number 40. Donna participated in many events in the county, including the Mt. Maid (now known as Ms. Amador) Contest in July of 1956. Again, her beauty was noticed and was chosen as first runner-up. Time went by as does life and when it did, Donna’s dreams came true when she became a mother to her four children, Julie, Jill, Joanne and Ronnie. Donna flourished as a mother. She stayed home raising her children with all the love and care a child could ask for. Donna always made her children’s birthdays special and making it a special occasion. She created memories with them such as building blanket forts in the middle of the living room, she never lost the love of dance and would frolic around the house and include the kids, it always involved dancing in front of the mirrors instructing the kids to her favorite Motown classics. Donna loved to lay out and enjoyed spending the time doing so with her daughter Julie. Donna would always keep the pool clean, but she would never step foot in it, nor did she ever want pictures taken of herself. She also enjoyed taking the kids roller skating from time to time. Donna always let her children know they were loved. No matter what worries her children had she would put them at ease and console them: teaching them the love of a mother with her kind, loving heart. She was always a caretaker.

Once again as time went by and her children grew old enough, she felt the need to do something for herself. Donna used her wit, determination and experience and went to work at Preston Youth Authority in 1980. She succeeded in her roles there, working in the Program Center. There she received many accolades and certifications. While working at Preston Youth Authority, she caught the eye of an admirer. John (Sunny) Dixon will never forget the day their eyes met. John knew she was an angel that God had sent to him; problem was John was enamored by her beauty and reluctant to approach her. Donna had that same sparkle in her eyes, yet always composed her grace and maintained being ladylike. Donna eventually got placed in John’s office by the Superintendent and John couldn’t believe the stars could’ve been aligned that way.

John always kept his composure (as the struggle it may have been) and worked alongside Donna with the utmost respect and professionalism. John was astonished when Donna without saying a word walked into his office and placed a horoscope reading on his desk, John read the horoscope from her, and it read “a Virgo and a Libra will find love.” John, being a Virgo and Donna a Libra took this as a sign of their true meaning of intervention in one another’s lives. Donna and John were a “thing” from then on out. They spent all their time together and combined their families where they all became one. They were best friends and the love of each other’s lives. Donna always supported John as he did Donna. They lived and supported each other through life’s heartbreaks, triumphs and memorable moments. Donna and John made their house a home together. Throughout the years together they enjoyed traveling to places such as Palm Springs, Mississippi, Tennessee, Windsor, Pismo Beach, Hawaii, Jamaica, Mexico and Weed (where John was from). Most trips would always include some sort of golfing. John would leave every year to Arizona on a golf trip with the guys, therefore Donna took golf lessons so she could share the interest and love with John. John never went to Arizona golfing without Donna again. Donna loved looking up and researching genealogy. It was her passion, everyone and anyone in the family she would find genealogy charts on. Donna’s research led her back ages ago and it was another love of hers. Donna could’ve become an expert in genealogy, she collected generations of pictures and history.

Donna's love for family was always strong and present from her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and her in-laws. Most of Donna’s friends were considered family to her as well. If you were in the presence of Donna, you felt her warmth. Donna will be so dearly missed by so many.

Donna is survived by her husband of 45 years John Dixon of lone, CA; children Julie Hawkins of lone, CA, Jill (Michael) Viii of lone, CA, Joanne (Norman) Thayer of West Point, CA, Casey Dixon of lone, CA, Nanci (Leo) Zuniga. She is also survived by her grandchildren Justin (Sasha) Kristeroffersen, Cole (Mandi) Kristeroffesen, Misty Sayle, Alexandria Sayle, David Sayle Jr. Alexandra and Conner. She is also survived by great-grandchildren Vanessa, Adrianna and Raegan Kristoffersen, Scott, Nickolas and William Kristoffersen, and Dylan Slown; niece Leslie Woods and nephew Stewart Wik; along with each of their children. Bonus daughter Sandy Raffelson. Donna is proceeded in death by her son Ronnie Hawkins Jr.; parents Richard and Alice Spradling; and sister Beverly Carrozza.

“A life’s lesson. After a while you learn the difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul. You learn that love isn’t leaning, but lending support. You begin to accept your defeats with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child. You decide to build your roads today, for tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain. You help someone plant a garden instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. You learn that God has given you strength to endure and that you really do have worth.”

Family and friends are welcome to attend the viewing held at Daneri’s Family Mortuary, 415 Broadway Street, Jackson CA 95642, on June 10, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Burial service will be held at lone Public Cemetery on June 11 at 11 a.m. A celebration of life will concur following service at the VFW Hall at 207 S. Amador Street, lone, CA 95640.