Ora C. Dixon

Ora C. Dixon, age 89, passed away on October 21, 2017. She was born in McKeesport on November 8, 1927 and is the daughter of the late Lynch and Lake Erie Smith Dixon, stepfather, Curtis Henry. She was a life time resident of McKeesport and a 50-year Republican. She is the first African American and first woman to be appointed through the County, Chairman of the Republican Party over 12 Wards. During the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s she was elected secretary for 12 Wards during the late Michael Rogan’s chairmanship, and the Former Cliff Flegal’s chairmanship of 7 years for 68 committee people. Her education consisted of attending 12 years of High School, attended Ella Rene’s School for Cosmetology, received license and shop owners license. She was a very successful businesswoman in the cosmetology field. She was honored for most outstanding Beautician by owner of Magic Palace and her employees with a plaque and trophy. She attended Douglass Business College for advanced courses in business. She also attended Jon Lesko Beauty School for teachers, and taught Cosmetology Theory. Attended Penn State College for counseling battered women. She also received a certificate for attendance to the Republican Political Seminar for duties of a committee person. She was also a trained Dental Assistant to Doctor Stanley Pollock. She took correspondence courses from Mayans World Wide Ministry School in San Antonio Texas, studied for 42 years with 403 Revelation Lessons, and received a degree to counsel or teach. She was employed for Bob Friend the controller in the Tax Lien Dept. for 3 years. She was a committee woman for 16 years for the Third Ward, Second District. Received 6 certifications and won 2 gold seals signed by Elsie Hillman. She was Chairman of many rallies for several candidates. She was the Secretary of Black Suburban Republican Council for the surrounding areas in McKeesport to Pittsburgh under chairman late James Fortense. She was Sophomore Y Teen advisor of McKeesport, the youth advisor for the NAACP under the late Jimmy Winbush, Supervisor. Organizer for Les Enfants Educational Group of 28 young people ranging in ages from 13-18 to graduate and further their education. She was the former Central Organizer for McKeesport Girl scouts under the late Field Executive Darrell Storch. She was also a Brownie Leader. She served on the McKeesport School Board advisory committee under Dr. Harry Faulk assisting with racial balance on the school busses. She served on the Housing Opportunity Board helping organize Block Clubs under Jim Butler Supervisor helping to sell homes for the poor. She was elected PTA President for two terms at Shaw Ave. School in McKeesport, under Dr. Harry Faulk. She spoke on behalf of 20 mothers from the projects, presenting the Hot Lunch Program to the school board, and won the Hot Lunch program they are eating today. She received a Gold Seal from the Council for most outstanding PTA. Ora was a Business Woman, Politician, and mother who serviced her community. A former 50-year member of Bethlehem Baptist Church and received a 50-year pin in honor of that. Ora states she owes all her success to God, the late Michael Rogan, the late James Fortense, the late Burty Buchman, Anne Carmic, Jean Hosell, her parents, Sunday school teachers at Bethleham Baptist church, and Cliff Flegal, Former Republican Chairman. She hopes her life is a reflection for other young people. She is survived by her children; Dennis K. Gore and Donna Marie Dixon, both of McKeesport, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and brother-in-law Charlie Mikell. She was preceded in death by the late Donald Dixon, her son; and also preceded in death by her siblings, Jackie Mikell, Curtis Henry, and Eddie Henry; and grandson Derek Dixon. Friends will be received at the Hunter-Edmundson-Striffler Funeral Home of McKeesport, 600 Market Street, McKeesport, PA 15132 (412-678-6191) on Tuesday October 24th from 2-8 pm. Friends may also gather on Wednesday October 25th at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 716 Walnut Street, McKeesport from 10 am until the time of service at 11 am with Reverend Earlene Coleman officiating. Burial will follow in McKeesport and Versailles Cemetery. Condolences may be made at www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com .