Dixie Lee Atkins Huff
A Celebration of Life Service for Dixie Lee Atkins Huff, 47, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 30, 2013 at West Plains High School Gymnasium, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Please join family and friends at this celebration of Dixie’s life and mourning of her passing.
Dixie lost her fight with NASH disease on Monday, November 25, 2013 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri. She was born to William (Bill) and Wilma Hicks Atkins on October 5, 1966 in Overland Park, Kansas. On May 21, 1988, Dixie married her best friend and love of her life, Jeffrey Curtis Huff. On January 10, 1998, Dixie and Jeff became overnight parents with the arrival of Ashley, January and April into their lives. In recent years, Dixie became the proud Nana to James, Brayden, Laityn and Emory. Dixie treasured her family above all else and looked forward to spoiling her grandsons as they grew up. She instilled in her family the motto: Live well, Laugh often, Love much.
Also, important in Dixie’s life was her profession. Her education began in West Plains R-7 Schools, from which she graduated in 1985. Dixie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Missouri State University and her Master’s in Education from Southwest Baptist and was working on a second Master’s in Criminology. Dixie began her teaching career at Couch High School, Myrtle, Missouri, where she spent seven happy years before joining the West Plains High School faculty. She taught in the science department at West Plains High School for seventeen years where she served as student council sponsor, science department head and professional development representative. Dixie had also served as an adjunct chemistry faculty member at Missouri State University-West Plains. Dixie took great pride in her professional life and received much joy in the lives and successes of her students.
Dixie is survived by her husband, Jeff, her three daughters, her four grandsons, and many loving friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and her big brother, William (Billy) Atkins.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dixie Huff Memorial Scholarship at Missouri State University and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Jean (Halford) Stewart
November 26, 2013 @ 5:59 pm
I am so sad to hear that Dixie has passed. From the time I was born I lived next door to her parents and her brother Billy. Being the same age as Billy, we were close. I remeber when Dixie was born and how excited the fsmily was. I miss Wilma,Bill and Billy and now I will be missing Dixie. Jeff and family, I know this hurts so much and I hope all the good memries of Dixie will help to comfort you.
Ron & Linda Hayes
November 26, 2013 @ 6:04 pm
Jeff & Family,
We are so sorry for your great loss. Dixie will be greatly missed by many, many people in our community. Our prayers are with you.
Ron & Linda Hayes
Melinda Rhoads
November 27, 2013 @ 8:49 am
I grew up on the same street with Dixie when I was younger and I remember her being such a sweet person. I lost contact with her after growing up but, always remembered her and her family. They all were very nice people. So sorry for your loss and praying for the family.
Carrie Patillo Thompson
November 27, 2013 @ 12:49 pm
Jeff and family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of Dixie. I’ve been keeping up with Dixie’s struggles this last month through Kathy. I knew Dixie as a little girl, go to church with Kathy, and worked with your Dad years ago..just have always known your family. Just wanted to let you know there are many grieving with you for your great loss.
Matthew Romans
November 27, 2013 @ 5:36 pm
My sincere condolences to the family of Ms. Huff. She was a fine biology teacher and I am proud to have had her last year for biology. I knew she wasn’t well, but she plugged on anyway. She’s not sick anymore and I wish only good memories and peace to her family.
Shana cochran
November 27, 2013 @ 5:45 pm
Jeff & family
I am so sorry to hear of your lose. Dixie and I spent a lot of time together as beginning teachers at Couch.
I always enjoyed her company and admired her dedication to her profession.
Breaks my heart for your family and all those that love her.
She was a good person.
In my prayers,
Shana Cochran
Cindy Woodworth Murray
November 28, 2013 @ 8:59 am
Dixie was a dear and treasured friend to me for many years. I remember when Dixie was just a little girl – (I was nearly ten years older and was best friends with Dixie’s neighbor, Jennifer Halford). During those times, years ago, I would be at Jennifer’s house and Jennifer and I would be doing our ” junior high things”. I remember little Dixie, standing in her front yard, holding her little hands in anticipation and looking our direction, watching us and wanting to be with the “big girls”. Jennifer and I would say “Hi Dixie”, and she would give us a bashful little wave and then run back inside her house. I remember thinking Dixie looked just like a real doll with her dark curly hair, her pretty yet shy little smile, and the perfectly ironed little dresses or matching shorts sets with her little tennis shoes. Dixie’s mother always dressed Dixie exactly like a little doll, and Dixie’s love of pretty clothes and accessories defined her lovely style and and was admired by everyone, all through her life. Years later, I reconnected with Dixie and a group of fellow teachers and together we planned our annual summertime trips. We all had many wonderful times together on our “Girl’s Trips” to places like Memphis, adventures to area resorts, float trips, and lots of other fun destinations. I cherish the good memories of our summertime “vacations” spent traveling, visiting, relaxing, shopping – for antiques and some of Dixie’s favorite things to collect. We too, always joined together for our special holiday parties during Christmas vacation from school. We laughed and had such happy times together. Dixie treasured her friends, was loving, kind, and generous to each of us. I am blessed to be counted as one among countless others in Dixie’s circle of friends. I will miss Dixie so very much. What a wonderful blessing to have a friend such as Dixie Lee Atkins Huff. My sincere sympathy to Jeff and the family.
Vickie Lawrence
November 29, 2013 @ 9:35 pm
Having grown up two houses down from the Atkins and being older than Dixie, I remember her just as Cindy described her. Dixie was a kind soul who was always willing to help another. She had so much love in her heart for her friends and students, but that love pales in comparison with the love she had for Jeff and her “girls.” Jeff, Ashley, Jan, and April, my heart goes out to you. The WPHS community has lost a teasured soul. My prayers are with your family.
Bronwyn Estes
December 1, 2013 @ 12:10 am
I am so sad to hear this! Dixie was my chemistry teacher in HS, she was a great lady! She will be missed by many!
Norma Ogletree
December 2, 2013 @ 2:52 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope it helps to know that others care and recognize that a beautiful light has dimmed.
Alice Vandergriff
December 4, 2013 @ 11:59 am
Dear Jeff and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I only recently learned of Dixie’s health problems, and was very shocked by her passing. She is well loved by many, and she will be missed! You are in my prayers.