Obituary: Dixie Jane White McKeithen of Madison, Tennessee | 1946 – 2024

Dixie Jane White McKeithen, beloved wife, mother, and respected Southern Gospel music artist and songwriter, was born on November 4, 1946, and passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024, at the age of 77.

Dixie was a devoted wife to Timothy McKeithen for 58 years and 4 months, and a loving mother to her daughter, Angelina McKeithen. Though she had no siblings, she grew up from infancy with her cousin Bonnie White, and they shared a middle name and a close bond like sisters that continued throughout their lives.

Dixie’s life was a testament to her deep faith, treasured marriage, love for her family and friends, and remarkable talents.

Dixie and Tim met at Bible College in Tupelo, Mississippi and were inseparable from then on, bound by their faith and love of music. Dixie’s contributions to the Southern Gospel music industry touched countless lives as a vocalist, songwriter, producer, and then as a booking agent. In her earlier years, Dixie was a cherished member of several Southern Gospel groups, including The Gospel Keys, The Hemphills, and The McKeithens. Dixie traveled for 21 years with the family group, The McKeithens, with Tim and Angelina. She sang and played piano and wrote and arranged many of their songs.

After retiring from the road and until her passing, Dixie worked for the Beckie Simmons Agency (BSA), a premier booking agency for Southern Gospel artists. She was instrumental in booking and advancing dates for the artists, and ensuring their tours ran smoothly. She loved Beckie and the entire BSA family dearly and enjoyed her role immensely.

Dixie was a member of Cornerstone Church until last year when she began attending World Outreach Church online. She was always ready to lend a helping hand and share her faith. She also enjoyed hosting gatherings around a meal at the kitchen table and was known to informally adopt a few people who did not have family nearby for holidays and Sunday dinners. Dixie was generous and refused to be turned away from “her blessings” when she saw someone in need.

Dixie was known for her love in action faith, hearty laugh, warmth, kindness, straight talk, and unwavering support for her family and friends. Dixie’s legacy will continue through her music and the many lives she impacted. She absolutely knew and loved her Lord and is resting peacefully in his arms today.

A graveside memorial service will be held at Christ Church Memorial Gardens on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. when friends and family will gather to celebrate her life and share memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dixie McKeithen’s honor to Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203. https://www.alivehospice.org Their kindness and care in her final days was a comfort to Tim and reflect the loving care and community that were expressed in Dixie’s life.