Anne Hummel Dixon

Anne Sutcliffe Hummel Dixon, 98, passed away on Oct 6, 2022 in Sylva.

She was born in Richmond, VA to Russel S Hummel, a civil engineer and WW I veteran, and Rita Marie Rohner Hummel, a registered nurse. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and attended nursing school at Johnston Willis Hospital before marrying Melvin Dixon and dedicating herself to raising a family.

Anne was predeceased by her parents, her husband of 67 years, Mel, her sister Elise Hummel Strotmeyer and her brother Russel Hummel Jr.

She is survived by children Suzanne Grady (Aaron) of Denver CO, Melvin Dixon Jr (Rhonda) of Enterprise AL, Elizabeth Dixon (Andrew Padyk) of Sylva, five grandchildren (Caitlin and Dara Grady, Julie and David Dixon, Sarah Padyk), and three great grandchildren.

With Husband Mel she raised her family in Charlottesville VA, spent some later years in Deltaville VA before they relocated to move next door to their daughter and her family in Sylva where she spent her remaining years.

Like her parents before her, who fought to establish American women’s right to vote in the early 20^th century, Anne was a firm advocate of women’s and men’s right to control all aspects of their lives. Though she never entered the military, her father, husband, daughter, son-in-law and son all served in branches of the US Armed Forces, and she passionately supported many veterans causes, particularly wounded and homeless veterans. A woman of faith she quietly helped others from all walks of life and left in God’s hands only those works she could not accomplish herself, and taught her children to do the same.  A lifelong organic gardener, she was never happier than when with her family or outside in her garden. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr Randy Provost and Dr Leigh O”Malley, her internists, her cardiologists Dr Earl Haddock and Dr Will Wharton, and especially her CNA Diane Buchanan whose compassionate care enabled her to stay at home many years longer than would otherwise have been possible. Our thanks as well to the Hermitage who cared for her in the last weeks of her life.

A private family service will be held at a later date in Virginia.  In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Anne’s honor to the veteran’s charity of your choice.