Betty R. Bracey Dixon, 77, passed away suddenly at home in Newport News on August 8, 2022. She was born in Suffolk, Virginia to William J. Bracey and Elizabeth H. Bracey. She grew up and attended public schools in Suffolk where she was inspired by her teachers on the importance of education and service.
She was a proud graduate of Suffolk High School, Class of 1963, and stayed in touch with her fellow classmates throughout the years. The school’s alumni had a saying, “I’m a peanut born, and a peanut bred, and when I die, I’ll be a peanut dead”. Betty graduated from Meredith College in 1968 with a degree in education.
After college, her first job was with the Newport News Public School System where she taught at Denbigh High School and later transferred to Menchville High School in the 70’s. Betty had a great love for teaching and that love was returned by many of her English and Social Studies students who fondly remember her sense of humor and her devotion to her profession, including her involvement in numerous school clubs and organizations, serving for many years as Activities Director.
She retired after 35 years of service in 2003 and continued her love for the Newport News School System by successfully running for Newport News School Board, serving from 2008-2012. She focused on advocating for policies to improve working conditions for teachers and the learning environment for students. Even after her service on the School Board, she was still active behind the scenes working for improvements in the educational system. She was an active member of the Retired Teachers Association.
Throughout her teaching and retirement years, Betty maintained close relationships with fellow retired teachers and friends, most notably, Carolyn Chittenden, Ann Edison, Emmy Hanks, Gail Lentz, Michael Livesay and Barbara Poplin, who frequently talked on the phone, met for lunch, shared time at the beach, celebrated good times and most importantly, supported each other in times of sorrow, as only truly good friends can do.
Betty’s memory is left to be cherished by her first cousins, Jean Austin, John Whitley, Jr and his wife, Nancy Whitley, Fred Whitley and his wife, Bev Whitley along with their collective five children and seven grandchildren, and other loving relatives and faithful friends.
The family will be forever grateful to Sandy Overman for her many years of friendship with Betty and her care for Betty’s mother, “Mummy”, well into her ‘90’s as well as Sandy’s sons, Michael and Robert, for their friendship and help to Betty in maintaining her household.
A Celebration of Betty’s life will take place at 2:00p.m on Monday, August 15, 2022 at Weymouth Funeral Home in Newport News. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 1900 Country Club Road, Newport News, VA 23606, or the charity of your choice.
