Obituary of Vivian Dixon

Vivian Jewel Burrough Kilpatrick Dixon was born on September 3, 1937 to the late Junious and Jurleen Burrough. Born and raised in Coweta, Oklahoma, Vivian received her formal education from Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Throughout the years, while in Tulsa, Vivian shared her amazing talents. She worshiped and served in the church. She was a lead vocalist, choir director, and a member of Mt. Rose Baptist Church. She was employed and worked in several capacities which included; domestic housekeeper, school crossing guard, restaurant attendant, and entrepreneur. Vivian discovered her true passion, and love of food, while she was an employee at Ben’s Bar–B–Que Restaurant. She later opened her own restaurant, affectionately called “Mom’s Bar–B–Que”. Vivian was married to Cleo Kilpatrick, Sr. To this union two children were born. She later married Cal Leo Dixon and to this union one child was born. Her love of music, both gospel and jazz, lead her to tour throughout the United States. Oftentimes accompanied by her oldest daughter, who also shared her passion for music. In 1988, Vivian moved to Rochester, NY. She worked as a laundry attendant and home health aide. But it was her love for people and passion for cooking that led her back into restaurant business. Her life’s mission was dedicated to cooking breakfast and lunch for the neighborhood youth and local business people. People literally would come from miles around for her famous “Granny Burgers”. Throughout her life, Vivian genuinely loved people. She greeted everyone with a warm smile and tender embrace. She would tell people, “ I love you” and you knew it was sincere. She lived each day with joy and happiness. On February 12, 2009 in Rochester, New York Vivian transitioned from life to eternity. Preceding her in death are siblings: Lotus Burrough, Luther West, Adell Killian-Terry, Cynthia Bland, Velma Barnes, and Garcia Burrough. She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Cleo (June) Kilpatrick, Jr., Jeanetta “CoCo” Kilpatrick and Denise (Hassan) Dixon-Jones all of Rochester, NY. Grandchildren: Stephen (Olga) Gill, Kareem Kilpatrick, Cedric Kilpatrick, Jamar Kilpatrick, Jakkeea Kilpatrick, Brianna Grant-Kilpatrick, Hassan “Bud” Jones, Niles Langston Jones, Siblings: Rosetta Burke (Rochester, NY) and Etha Lee (Joe) Robinson (Tulsa, OK), and host of nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life for Vivian Dixon will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2009 at Mt. Rose Baptist Church in Coweta. Pastor Sandy Barnes will officiate the service. Committal prayers and burial will follow at Vernon Cemetery. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences to Vivian’s family online @ www.wrightfh.net. The family of Vivian Dixon entrusted her care and services to Wright Funeral Home, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, Ok. 74429 (918)486-5515.