Jorita Dixson

JoRita (Grimes) Dixson of Norman, Oklahoma was born to Robert Weldon and Lucille (Bivens) Grimes in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on September 6, 1935. She passed at the age of 84 on October 24, 2019.

JoRita met Bobby Dean Dixson in 1950 during their sophomore English class at Southeast High School. They began dating during their senior year when Bob played basketball and JoRita was the basketball queen. JoRita married Bob, the love of her life, on January 15, 1955 in Oklahoma City. The couple shared almost 65 years of marriage before her passing. They initially made their home in Southwest Oklahoma City before moving to Norman in 1975, where they have resided ever since.

JoRita was a dedicated and active member of Bethel Baptist Church where she attended the Senior Adult Class. She had many friends at church and rarely missed an opportunity for fellowship. She cared for her fellow parishioners, often providing a meal or a warm hug to those in need. She had a servant heart for others, always caring and wanting to minister to anyone who knew her. She was known for the thoughtful cards and notes she would send to anyone who might need an encouraging word.

JoRita loved her family, and especially adored her grandchildren, making every effort to attend ball games and dance recitals. She enjoyed cooking everything from stew to pot roast, but her specialty was baked beans and banana pudding. She had a great appreciation for nature, and frequently took foliage tours in Arkansas and Branson with family and friends. She also took great pride in the "Peace" and "Barbara Bush" roses she cultivated in her yard.

JoRita was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Janet Dixson, and grandson Grayson Smith. She is survived by: husband Bob; daughters Rita Christle of Frisco, Texas and Kathy Smith and husband Pat of Norman; brother Gerald Grimes of Oklahoma City; grandchildren Ryan Christle, Austin Smith, and Caroline Smith; great-grandson Callum Smith; and a host of friends who loved her dearly.