Gloria Dean Dixon

Life is a journey, and we are put on this earth for a predetermined time to complete that journey. You are reading this because you were most likely part of my life’s journey through a bond or connection. Please take a moment right now and think about the role you played in my journey. I have completed my journey here on earth and I thank you for helping me complete it in whatever role you played. I know it was as special to me and I hope it was special to you.

My journey started on September 6, 1942, in Kansas City, Kansas when I was born to Prentice Roland and Eunice “Granny” Dixon. Of course, she wasn’t Granny then, but we all knew her as Granny. I was raised in KCK with my brother Willie Dixon. Our church home was Strangers Rest Baptist Church where I met and formed many life-long friendships. 

I was blessed with three precious children, Leon “Tony” Fritz, Pamela Fritz-Jackson, and J. Kipp Labrie. I can’t forget my bonus girls who showed me unconditional love, Denise Young and Angela Blackwell. I always played a very active role in my children’s lives, whether it was serving on the school board of their schools, coordinating, and organizing school functions, or volunteering for their sports and extracurricular activities. I also made sure to carry on that active role in the lives of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Avila College which allowed me to excel in my professional career. I worked for the Federal Government for various agencies for over 30 years promoting diversity and multi-cultural awareness. I began my career as the Office Manager for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and eventually became a Financial Assistant and Equal Opportunity Specialist with the FWHA. I later joined the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) as an Equal Opportunity Officer and was later promoted to Division Chief for FTA’s Office of Civil Rights where I supervised Regional Equal Employment Officers throughout the U.S. After retiring from the Federal Government in 2001, I joined Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and served as Vice President of Diversity and Economic Opportunity directing and overseeing DART’s various Civil Rights Requirements.

During my federal service career, I served on several boards and committees and received many awards. I was recognized at all levels in the Department of Transportation and received outstanding awards from each Transit Administrator. I received recognition from Secretary Elizabeth Dole and Secretary Rodney Slater for  my volunteerism, community service, and contributions in the administration of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program and the Federal Equal Employment Programs. During my tenure with the FTA, I won the agency's Award for Supervisory Excellence, the Director's Special Award, and the Distinguished Award for Performance. 

I served as an Advisory Board Member and National Scholarship Committee for the DW Chapter for the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), and Chair of the American Public Transit Association's (APTA) Procurement Diversity Committee. My journey included serving on non-federal boards and committees, such as The Heads-Up Foundation, Chairperson of Texas State Diversity Council, Dallas Catholic Charities Advisory Board, Advisory Board Member for the Dallas United Negro College Fund, and Board Member of the Black Contractors Association.

My journey also included starting a book club called “Value Perspective Book Club” as well as owning my own business. I was President and Chief Executive Officer for my company, Special Event Planners for over 30 years, providing consulting services for weddings, parties, workshops & seminars.

In 1980 I became a member of the illustrious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Kansas City, MO Alumnae Chapter. I was a Golden Life member and played a very active role by serving on many committees and serving as past president. I helped organized the Kansas City Alumnae Chapter’s first annual Cotillion Ball in 1986. When my journey took me to Dallas, TX. I joined the Dallas Alumnae Chapter, serving on many committees  and forming bonds with my sisters of DST. 

Although my earthly journey is complete, I am entrusting the following to continue my legacy: son, Leon (Tony) Fritz; daughter, Pamela Jackson (Bryant); son, J. Kipp Labrie (Katie); granddaughters, LaTonya Thomas, Makhaela (Bryson) Williams, Jasmine Brown, and Taylor Jackson; grandsons, Bryant (Nyeisha) Jackson,  Tanner Labrie, and Wesley Labrie; great-granddaughters Angel Larry, Zoë Jackson; great-grandsons, Trevon Thomas-Ponds, Jeremiah Brown; and all my family and friends. Thank you for being a part of my journey.

Services will be LIVESTREAMED on Strangers Rest  Baptist Church (Facebook) & (Youtube) Pages. Go to srbckc.org to watch the live service.