Loretta Fern Dixon's Obituary
Loretta Fern Dixon, 93, of Springdale, Arkansas, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior
on Sunday, October 5, 2025. She was born on September 19, 1932, in London, Arkansas, to
Noah Franklin Vinson and Thurma Hettie (Hass) Vinson.
From an early age, Loretta carried a deep faith and a tender heart. Shortly after graduating high
school, she married the love of her life, Pastor C.L. “Red” Dixon, beginning a lifelong
partnership in ministry and service. Together they spent six years traveling across the United
States as evangelists—sharing the Gospel, touching lives, and building a foundation of faith
that would bless generations.
In 1959, Loretta and Red became pastors of First Assembly of God Church in Springdale,
Arkansas where they ministered faithfully until 1967. They later served as pastors of Putnam
City Assembly of God in Oklahoma City, and then at Full Gospel Assembly of God Church in
Bell Gardens, California, from 1971 to 1974. Under their compassionate leadership, Full Gospel
became one of the largest and most vibrant congregations in the denomination.
Their ministry journey came full circle when, in 1984, alongside their son Steve and wife Cozy,
they co-founded Christian Life Cathedral in Fayetteville—a home of worship, community, and
love that continues to shine as part of their legacy.
Loretta was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose quiet strength, unwavering faith,
and gentle wisdom inspired everyone who knew her. Her presence was a sanctuary of peace
and kindness; her laughter a melody of joy. She loved deeply, prayed faithfully, and lived a life
that reflected the beauty of God’s love.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of sixty-nine years, Pastor C.L. “Red”
Dixon, as well as three brothers and one sister.
She is survived by her three loving children:
• Steve Dixon and wife Cozy of Springdale, AR
• Greg Dixon and wife Joetta of Springdale, AR
• Renee Smith and husband Tom of Dallas, TX
She also leaves behind eight treasured grandchildren: Steven Dixon (Amber), Christopher
Dixon, Zachery Martin (Ashley), Zane Martin (Olivia), Brianne Harber (Matthew), Tanya Strelecki
(Andrew), David Dixon (Jessica), and Brittany Pilant (Garrison)—as well as twenty-two greatgrandchildren
who will forever carry her love and faith within their hearts.
A visitation will be held on Monday, October 13th, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Christian Life
Cathedral in Fayetteville, followed by a celebration of life service at 2:00 p.m. A private family
graveside service will follow at Bluff Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christian Life Cathedral Missions in
honor of Loretta’s lifelong passion for sharing the love of Christ.
What’s your fondest memory of Loretta?
What’s a lesson you learned from Loretta?
Share a story where Loretta's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Loretta you’ll never forget.
How did Loretta make you smile?
