Alberta Dixon

All who knew Alberta Dixon will certainly agree that she truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and she faced each and every challenge that came her way with a fierce spirit of determination, overcoming all obstacles set before her. Nothing made Alberta happier than being surrounded with her beloved friends and family members. Her willingness to serve allowed her to impact countless lives for the better, and she was a light and blessing in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Dearly loved and greatly treasured, Alberta will be forever missed by those who knew her best.

The 1940s were tumultuous years for many around the world as WWII raged on. Countless servicemen were called to serve away from home, and those who remained stateside faced strict rationing to support the war effort. It was a short time before the war would come to an end that Alberta Roberts made her entrance into the world on April 18, 1945, in Grenada, Mississippi. Born to Joe and Lura (Neal) Roberts, Alberta joined the family as the youngest of five children.

Growing up, Alberta was a typical girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home in Montgomery, Mississippi, alongside her four older siblings, J.W., Willie, Minnie, and Susie. Alberta was very close with her siblings. Her father, Joe, was a farmer for a living while her mother, Lura, cared for the house and children as a homemaker and housewife. Throughout Alberta’s childhood, holidays were always celebrated by cooking, eating, and spending time with relatives.

Ready to build her career, Alberta attended Mid-City Community Education and went on to complete the education and child care classes needed to become a nurse’s aide. She spent many years working as a nurse’s aide at Holland Home, a nursing home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Alberta volunteered at Holland Home as well. She worked as a day care provider, filling a need in her community.

Of all the things she loved in life, there was nothing more important to Alberta than her family. In 1965, she married her husband at the county clerk’s office in Chicago, Illinois, The newlyweds settled down to begin their lives together in Gary, Indiana. Over the years, Alberta was overjoyed to welcome her eight children into her heart and home. She was a patient and loving mother to Regina, Renee, twins Carol and Carl, James, twins Dennis and Denise, and Tony. Alberta thrived in her role as a mom, and her kids were her greatest source of pride and joy. She was always caring and gentle, and she was an excellent role model of hard work for her children. Later in life, Alberta was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. She considered herself blessed to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones.

Alberta moved to make her home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in search of better opportunities for herself and her family. They became dedicated members at Life Tabernacle Church on Grandville Avenue in Grand Rapids. Alberta was devoted to her faith, and her favorite book was the Bible. She also loved listening to Gospel music. In her retirement years, Alberta settled down in Charlotte, North Carolina. All throughout her life, her most prized possessions were her home and the people she surrounded herself with.

Never one to sit still for long, Alberta had many hobbies to keep her busy in her spare time. She was an avid gardener all the way up into her late 70s. Always practical, Alberta took sewing classes and learned how to sew jogger sets and make pillows. She was a beautiful singer and loved to dance as well. Alberta liked fishing, and she was well known for making delicious pound cakes and sweet potato pies. Her favorite foods included collard greens, hot water corn bread, oxtails, chickens, watermelon, fruits, and nuts.

When reflecting on the life of Alberta Dixon, it is clear to see that she was a beautiful woman from the inside out. With her strong work ethic and heart of generosity, she was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Alberta cherished her family above all else. She was a shining example of kindness and humility, and she showed each and every day what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord she loved so much. Though she will be greatly missed, Alberta leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will forever hold close.

Alberta Dixon, age 80, of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away peacefully in the company of her family on Sunday July 13, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was born in Grenada, Mississippi in the springtime of 1945 to the late Joseph and Laura [Neal] Roberts.

Alberta is survived by her children: Regina Casterman, Renee Whitesides, Carol Dixon, Carl Dixon, James Dixon, Dennis Dixon, Denise Dixon, and Tony Dixon. She is also survived by her 20 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren.

Alberta enjoyed at rewarding career working as Nurse Aide primarily at Holland Home in Grand Rapids.

Alberta’s funeral service is scheduled to take place at 11:00 AM, Monday, July 28, 2025 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Alt Shawmut Chapel, (2120 Lake Michigan, Dr. NW Grand Rapids, MI, 49504). Friends may visit with Alberta’s family prior to the service beginning at 10:00 AM.