BENTON – Barbara Sue Dixon, 77, of Benton, Illinois, died Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at Deaconess Hospital in Marion, Illinois, surrounded by her family.
She was born Feb. 17, 1948, in Christopher, Illinois, to Harold “Lefty” and Rachel (Williams) Learned. She married Melvin D. Dixon on June 5, 1971, and he preceded her in death June 15, 2023.
Mrs. Dixon was a member of First United Methodist Church in Benton.
She was known for her strong work ethic and willingness to help others. She had a love for fashion and took pride in her appearance, which led to a lifelong enjoyment of working in retail and helping others look their best. Over the years, she worked at Lindwood Nursing Home in Benton; F.W. Woolworth on the Benton Square; The Hang Up Clothing Store in Christopher; and Harris Clothing Store in West Frankfort. She also taught cooking classes at Rend Lake College. She was a member of the Benton Junior Woman’s Club and served as its president around 1978.
Mrs. Dixon was a devoted stay-at-home mother for several years to her daughters, Amanda and Sarah, and served as a Girl Scout leader during that time. She later worked at Anrap Rentals, Target in Marion, Benton Lawn Care, and U.S. Bank, where she retired in 2013. She was known for her warm smile and dedication to customer service and considered her co-workers family.
She especially enjoyed time with her family and grandchildren and rarely missed their activities. She loved holidays, particularly Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, and enjoyed gambling and playing slot machines, especially with her sister.
Survivors include two daughters: Amanda (Troy) Miller of Benton and Sarah (Derek) Stowers of Benton; five grandchildren: Matthew Miller, Logan Stowers, Isabella Miller, Lenox Stowers and Lance Stowers; a sister, Melissa “Missy” Learned of Benton; a brother-in-law, James “Jim” Dixon; four nephews: Dewayne (Anthony Schrauth) Eubanks, Travis Dixon, Ryan Dixon and Corky Miller; five nieces: Erin (David) Holley, Kristen (TJ) Tomshack, Aleicia Morris, Jill (Randy) Blythe and Debbie (Bob) VanWinkle; and several extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a sister, Brenda Kay Eubanks; and two brothers: Thomas “TJ” D. Learned and Harold M. Learned Jr.
Services are entrusted to Pate Funeral Home and Crematory, Benton.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at Pate Funeral Home, with Pastor Jesse Hinds officiating. Burial will follow at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton.