Dixie Thornton Barbour

Dixie Thornton Barbour passed away unexpectedly on March 1, 2025 with her sister, Linda Reardon by her side. Dixie was born on October 31, 1943 in Wayne County to Frank Norwood Thornton and Ruth Lee Thornton. After graduating from Hobbton High School, she married the love of her life, Eugene (Gene) Barbour. They shared a wonderful life together for 58 years until he passed away on January 24, 2021. Dixie was not only a loving wife, but a loving mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and generous friend. 

 Dixie had many passions in her life, one of which included interior design. An avid HGTV fan, she loved all aspects of decorating, including painting, hanging artwork, attending yard sales, estate sales and auctions, and secretly rearranging the furniture. Her husband once joked that he felt certain his demise would be caused by breaking his neck trying to navigate the recently rearranged furniture that Dixie would accomplish by herself after everyone else had gone to bed.

 Another of Dixie’s passions was cooking. She loved baking and decorating cakes, and cooking for friends and family. If you were fortunate to be invited to lunch or dinner, or just happened to be stopping by the Barbour house, Dixie would ensure that you would enjoy a delicious meal.

 Above all, Dixie’s greatest passion lay in her love for her Lord and love of family. A mom of two daughters (Pam Creech, Tammy Liles), she taught them how to roller skate, and celebrated each of their birthdays with beautifully decorated homemade cakes and decorations. She dearly loved her grandson, Braxton, so much so that she couldn’t even scold him after he pushed her into their family pond. Dixie and her sister Linda, and sister-in-law, Lou, always enjoyed each other’s company and spent many happy hours together shopping and eating out.

 Dixie is preceded in death by her parents and siblings; Sarah Buff, Ann Denning, Bobby Thornton, J.M. Thornton, Gordon Thornton, and Douglas Thornton; son-in-law, Avis Creech. Dixie is survived by her daughters, Tammy Liles and husband David, and Pam Creech; grandson, Braxton Creech; sister Linda Reardon; sister-in-law Lou Thornton; and many loving nieces and nephews.

 The service will be held at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Four Oaks. Burial will follow in Pauline Baptist Church Cemetery, Four Oaks, NC. The family will receive friends following the service. 

 Flowers are appreciated; however, memorial contributions may be sent to Corinth Church, c/o Beverly Gibson, 1286D Thompson Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524 or to your favorite charity. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Four Oaks, NC