Rumi Mahmood, Cindy Stone, and other neighbors at Verleaner Dixon's 100th birthday party at the Dixon residence in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
Verleaner Dixon celebrates her 100th birthday party at the Dixon residence in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
Wanda Alexander and Carmen Roberts at Verleaner Dixon's 100th birthday party at the Dixon residence in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
Elma Stokes and Martha Little at Verleaner Dixon's 100th birthday party at the Dixon residence in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
Jura Slattery (Garfield Heights board member, event organizer) and Verleaner Dixon at Ms. Dixon's 100th birthday party in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
Gale Maelyun and Verleaner Dixon at Ms. Dixon's 100th birthday party in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
Councilmember John Kennedy speaks at Verleaner Dixon's 100th birthday party at the Dixon residence in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
Councilmember John Kennedy speaks at Verleaner Dixon's 100th birthday party at the Dixon residence in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
Dawn Eastin and Steve Andelich listen to Councilmember John Kennedy speak at Verleaner Dixon's 100th birthday party at the Dixon residence in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
Randolph Smith helps distribute refreshments for a toast in honor of Verleaner Dixon at Ms. Dixon's 100th birthday party in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
Jonathan Langager and Monette Velasco raise their beverages in honor of Verleaner Dixon at Ms. Dixon's 100th birthday party in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
Julie Currier participates in a toast in honor of Verleaner Dixon at Ms. Dixon's 100th birthday party in Pasadena on May 21, 202
Skye Slattery and Max Endieveri at Verleaner Dixon's 100th birthday party at the Dixon residence in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
Cindy Stone, Carmen Roberts, Dawn Eastin, and Danny Donabedian at Verleaner Dixon's 100th birthday party at the Dixon residence in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
Rumi Mahmood, Steve Andelich, Jura Slattery, Gia Andelich, and neighbors of Garfield Heights at Verleaner Dixon's 100th birthday party in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
Verleaner Dixon uses a paper fan to blow out candles on her birthday cake at her 100th birthday party in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
Verleaner Dixon is served birthday cake at her 100th birthday party in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
Skye Slattery, Max Endieveri, and others help serve birthday cake at Verleaner Dixon's 100th birthday party in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
Finnigan Slattery, Monette Velasco, Jonathan Langager, and Gale Maelyun at Verleaner Dixon's 100th birthday party in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
Janet Whaley and Renee Rubalcava at Verleaner Dixon's 100th birthday party at the Dixon residence in Pasadena on May 21, 202
James Smith and Julie Garcia at Verleaner Dixon's 100th birthday party at the Dixon residence in Pasadena on May 21, 2022
More than five decades after she purchased her home on Marengo Avenue in Garfield Heights, Verleaner Dixon, known to her neighbors as “Mother Dixon,” saw dozens of those same neighbors, along with relatives, gathered on her front lawn Saturday to celebrate her 100th birthday.
A 50-year resident of the Garfield Heights neighborhood, Dixon was born in Shivers, Mississippi in 1921, one of five children, and the only girl. Like many in the rural South at the time, Dixon found job opportunities in the area limited.
She moved to California, settling in Pasadena in 1977, and bought her current house on Marengo Street in 1985.
Dixon worked as an LA County Department of Social Services caseworker before retiring, and remained an active member of Victory Bible Church.
She also volunteered at Jackie Robinson Center for many years, and is “a loving aunt, relative and friend to many,” said Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo in an acknowledgment of her special day.
More importantly, perhaps, Dixon, who never married, also served as a foster parent to more than 100 children over the years.
“You have gathered a lifetime of experience and memories through your more than 50 years of residence in your historic home in Pasadena’s Garfield Heights neighborhood, and your long career with Los Angeles County, as well as the love you shared with more than 100 foster children,” said California State Assemblymember Chris Holden.
District 3 Councilmember John Kennedy, standing on Dixon’s porch, called out in his best Southern Baptist preacher voice, “You are 100 years young! This is a milestone of incomparable significance in our city. It is apparent to all of us that you have been granted such longevity in order to teach us to love, to show compassion and to share gratitude.
“Your kindness nurtures our community,” he continued, “and we are grateful for your praiseworthy example.”
Said Dixon herself on her special day, “I’m not surprised to be here. I’m just happy and grateful to be here every day.”
And, then, asked the inevitable question as to the secret of her long life, she offered: “Love people and trust God.”
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One thought on “‘Mother Dixon’ Celebrates Her 100th Birthday”
Ms. Dixon has shown love to all people! No partiality! She has always been an encourager! It’s been a Joy to visit her in her home. Her self given birthday parties have been upscale and fun filled. “Let the older women teach the younger” that she does.. Happy 100th Birthday! Love Earnestine