Dixie Gilbert Fletcher

Dixie Joan Gilbert was born in Raymond Illinois in 1934 to Ira Lee and Mayme Gilbert. Dixie’s place of birth ended up being prophetic for the trajectory of her life. The youngest of ten children (seven girls and three boys), Dixie grew up during a difficult time in American history, yet she and her sisters always found time for fun. Dixie and four of her sisters even performed together as a tumbling act, reflecting her deep love of family and the importance of family closeness, which she would treasure for the rest of her life.

After several unsuccessful attempts by the family to head west, Dixie, always singing in a choir or with her sisters, grew into a beautiful young woman in Raymond, Illinois. In 1950 she met her future husband, Raymond Fletcher. They had to wait until he returned from North Africa with the US Air Force to wed in 1952. It was a match that was meant to be! Their lives together would take them across the world and through more than six decades together. She and Ray had six children while they were in the Air Force, and they lived in Arizona, Formosa (now Taiwan), Okinawa (Japan), California, France, and North Carolina before settling down in Mt. Olive, Il in 1972. Through every move, Dixie was the steady heart of the family: a devoted wife and mother who created a sense of home wherever they went. After Ray's military service ended, she helped him build a successful business, Ray's Pet Shop in Mt. Olive, until their retirement in 1998.

In retirement, Dixie and Ray traveled and enjoyed spending time with grandchildren, becoming once again central in their upbringing. When Ray Sr. was later diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Dixie remained faithfully by his side, caring for him with the same quiet devotion that defined their marriage, until his death in 2013.

Faith was the foundation of Dixie's life. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Church of Mt. Olive, where she was a lifelong member of the choir. After Ray Sr. passed, she moved to Gainesville, Texas, to be closer to three of her children: Sharon, Linda, and Ray, and she quickly became an active member of the Gainesville United Methodist Church, continuing a life of faith and fellowship.

Dixie was also a talented crochet artist who created projects of love and comfort. She crocheted red, white, and blue butterflies with inspirational notes for visiting Medal of Honor recipients in Gainesville, and she made many, many lap blankets for senior citizens and the ill. Her cheerful colors and patterns gave comfort and joy to all. Her creations reflected the generous, optimistic, happy person that she was.

She had a strong conviction that everyone is loved and is happy in their way. She felt that the golden rule was absolute and was very empathetic to those around her. Never mad or unkind, she was always smiling and making the best of every situation. Above all, faith and her family defined her life.

Mrs. Fletcher is survived by her daughters, Sharon (husband Rickey) Nichols of Gainesville, TX; Diana Smith of Mt. Olive; Linda (husband Richard) Jenkinson of Gainesville, TX; and Kathy (husband Bill) Daniel of Litchfield; her sons, Ray (wife Gabrielle) Fletcher of Gainesville, TX; and Chuck Fletcher of Mt. Olive; sixteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond Fletcher, six sisters, and three brothers.

A Celebration of Life for her Texas family and friends will be held at 5 pm on August 13th, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church in Gainesville, TX. For her Illinois family and friends, a Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm on August 30th, 2026, at the Methodist Church in Mt. Olive, IL. Burial will follow at Mt. Olive City Cemetery, alongside her loving husband, Raymond Fletcher.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Gainesville, the Methodist Church of Mt. Olive, IL, or your favorite life affirming charity in Dixie’s honor.