Dora D. Faison

To watch the Livestream service for Ms. Dora Dixie Faison, please visit the link below:
https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/dora-dixie-faison

Dora Dixie Faison, a beloved educator, historian, and community leader, passed away peacefully at the age of 81, at Biloxi Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born on October 10, 1943, to the late James and Wilma (Buford) Dixie in Mobile, Alabama. Dora made Biloxi, Mississippi, her home for many years.

Dora graduated from Central High School in Mobile in 1961. She pursued her higher education with determination, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master of Science Degree from William Carey College. Dora dedicated 28 years of her life to educating young minds in the Biloxi Public School District before retiring in 2003. Dora’s passion for teaching continued as she worked, with the Catholic Diocese, teaching English as a Second Language to those seeking to build new lives in America.

As a lifetime member of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Dora exemplified leadership and service. Dora was initiated into the sorority in 1978, and she served as president of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter from 1989 to 1991. Dora also excelled in leadership roles in the Arts & Letters, Heritage & Archives, and Social Action Committees.

Dora's dedication to preserving African American history was evident in her work as curator of the Pleasant Reed House at the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum. This historic home, built by a man born into slavery, was purchased by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta in 1978 from Pleasant Reed's youngest daughter, Therese. For over 20 years, the local sorority chapter maintained this significant piece of history before donating it to the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum. Dora brought the Reed House story to life through tours and historical events until Hurricane Katrina destroyed the home in 2005. Dora’s commitment to the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum continued for over 25 years as a dedicated volunteer.

An accomplished researcher, Dora conducted extensive genealogical research for both the Pleasant Reed Family and her own family ancestry. Through DNA testing with African Ancestry in 2012, Dora discovered her maternal genetic connection to the Mende People of Sierra Leone. This genetic finding deepened her understanding of her African heritage.

Dora also served as historian for the Lawrence C. Roberts Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., helping to preserve the stories of these pioneering African American aviators.

At St. Paul United Methodist Church in Biloxi, Dora was a pillar of the congregation, serving as chair of the Mission and Outreach Committee and as an active member of the United Methodist Women.

Dora's adventurous spirit led her across the globe. She lived in Spain for several years and traveled extensively throughout Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean, always returning with new stories and perspectives to share with her community.

Those who knew Dora remember her as a giver, comforter, caretaker, and confidant who was generous to all she encountered. Her warmth and wisdom touched the lives of countless people throughout her 81 years.

Dora was preceded in death by her parents, James and Wilma Dixie; her grandparents, Charles and Ethel Washington; her great-aunt, Chaney Fountain; her son, Richard Aaron Murrell; her sister, Ethel D. Childress; and her grand-nephew, Michael McNeil, Jr.

Dora's legacy and spirit lives on through her daughter, Tracy Elaine Murrell; her granddaughter, Atkevia Ferrell; her brothers, James and Wilmer Dixie of California and George Dixie of Memphis, Tennessee; her sisters, Mary White of Cypress, Texas, and Fannitta (Larry) Clark of Daphne, Alabama; her nieces and nephews, Greg Dixie, Karen Gentry, Jodii Childress, James L Dixie III, Aundra Carter, Jamon Dixie, Joe Childress, Jr., Jameela Williams, Rachel Dixie and Kristen Clark; and a host of extended family members and friends whose lives she enriched.

Dora Dixie Faison's life was a testament to the power of education, service, and love. Her contributions to her community, her dedication to preserving history, and her generous spirit will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.

In Lieu of FlowersDora Dixie Faison was a breast cancer survivor. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations made to the African American Breast Cancer Alliance, Inc. A qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization dedicated to Black/African American breast cancer patients, survivors, and their co-survivor support networks.aabcainc.org

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 11:00 am, at St. Paul United Methodist Church. Visitation will start at 10:00 am.

Infinity Funeral Home extends our condolences to the family of Ms. Dora D. Faison. For inquiries, call 228-436-6722.