Dixie Lorene Black

Dixie Lorene Black, age 90, passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024. She was the daughter of Elbert and Nellie Gibson Johnson. Dixie was born in Swan, Missouri on July 5, 1933. Dixie was married to James Black on November 18, 1955. They were going to have a June wedding, but her dad said “No” and said she had to wait until planting season was over.

Dixie and James lived in Kansas City until 1970 and then moved back to Rich Hill. While they lived in KC, she worked at Midwest Research Medical Center. Dixie was famous for her cupcakes on Halloween. Dixie and her mother did plaster at her house until Dixie bought the Cook’s Café and made it into the plaster barn and ran it for 15 years. She delivered Meals-On-Wheels for many years. She also took several people back-and-forth to their doctor’s appointments. She was a member of the Baptist Church in Arthur, Missouri.

Dixie was preceded in death by her husband, James Black; her parents, Elbert and Nellie Johnson; brothers, Arch, Arthur, and Major Johnson.

Survivors include her son, Michael Black and his fiancée Cindy Wheatley; granddaughter, Kristin Huenefeldt and husband Kevin; sister-in-law, Kay Wright; nieces, nephews, and cousins; her dog, Jack, and four cats.

One little funny story: Dixie was in a hurry to go shopping with friends. Mike was very little, and Dixie was feeding him oatmeal. He wouldn’t eat it. He kept spitting it out, eventually throwing the bowl on the floor. Granny picked it up and tasted it. Dixie had put salt in it instead of sugar!

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Rich Hill Memorial Library or the Hume Food Pantry.