Dixie Lee Josifek's Obituary
Dixie passed away, June 1st in Portland. She was 86 years old.
Dixie was born September 29, 1924 in Huntington, West Virginia to Thomas and Marie Eden McKinney. As a teenager Dixie moved to Washington, DC during the height of World War II, where she got a job at the White House. She married naval officer Forrest William "Bill" Cravens on November 20, 1945 in Huntington, West Virginia. They lived in many cities in the US and overseas before settling in Alamo, CA in 1960 to raise their family. Forrest preceded her in death in 1981.
Dixie worked in property management for many years. In 1972 she began working for Public Storage as an office secretary just after the company was founded, and worked her way up to regional manager of the company. She retired in 1986 and moved to Roseburg, OR, where she married longtime family friend George "Joe" Josifek on October 20, 1986. In Roseburg she had many dear friends and was active in the local TOPS club. Joe passed away on June 20, 2003. In 2006 Dixie moved to Scappoose, OR to be closer to her family, and resided there until the end of her life.
Dixie is survived by her daughter Norma Cravens of St. Helens and son John Cravens of Alaska, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her children Forrest W. Cravens II, P.J. Smith, and Catherine Unruh; and siblings Charles, Betty, and Jean.
Inurnment, Veterans Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, California
Contributions to: Shriner's Hospital for Children, 3101 SW Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239
A private family gathering will be held at a later date on the Oregon Coast.
This was a poem that Dixie wanted you to read. The title is "When I'm Gone".
When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile.
Forget unkind words I have spoken
Remember some good I have done
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I've had loads of fun.
Forget that I've stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way.
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day.
Then forget to grieve for my going,
I would not have you sad for a day.
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay.
And come in the shade of the evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west.
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember - only my best.
What’s your fondest memory of Dixie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dixie?
Share a story where Dixie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dixie you’ll never forget.
How did Dixie make you smile?