Dr. Betty Starks Dixon, 61, of Odessa, left this world for her heavenly home on March 25th. She is sadly missed, but is now dancing with the angels. Betty was a native Floridian, who was born and raised in Tampa and graduated from Chamberlain HS in 1966. She received degrees in psychology from USF, Auburn University and University of Sarasota.
Betty recently retired from her position as a school psychologist for the Pinellas County School System after 35 years. She helped so many in her life, but had a special place in her heart for children with Asperger’s syndrome and had written numerous articles, a book and spoke at several engagements on the topic.
Betty had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed scuba diving, snow skiing, hunting, fishing, traveling, and recently went hang gliding off the cliffs of Peru. However, her first love was her family. She leaves behind her loving husband, Tom; three wonderful children that were the love of her life, Asya Andress of Tampa, Dr. Dustin Dixon of Louisville, KY, and Lynne Glass of Marina del Rey, CA; her brother, Bob Starks of Atlanta; sisters, Carrie Starks of Dade City and Patty Carlson of Lutz; and many other loving family members. She was predeceased by her loved parents, William and Ida Starks; and brothers, Bill and Jimmy Starks.
A memorial service will be Monday, April 12th at Grace Family Church, 5101 Van Dyke Rd, Tampa, FL 33558. Visitation with Family 6-7pm followed by memorial service at 7pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation- Tampa Chapter.
Please light a candle in her memory at: Bettystarksdixon.memory-of.com.
Please accept my sincerest condolences. Your mother and wife was a wonderful childhood friend who lived down the street from me. I used to get on my bike and go to her house where we would continue either to another friends house or straight to school. We had so many wonderful play days for years. She was a kind and caring friend who apparently continued her graciousness into and throughout adulthood. I am so sorry we lost contact. May she rest peacefully. Linda Favata
To Betty’s family – please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. We have many fond memories of Betty and will always think of her with the greatest respect.
Carolyn and Gary Becker
Betty’s bright smile will be missed. I wish her peace, and comfort for her family and friends. Kathy Leighton
She was a lovely woman with a beautiful soul. Betty touched the lives of many students and staff alike. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. Love…Believe…Dream
So hard to believe such a bright star is gone. We worked together for so many years and shared joys and sadness. I will miss her greatly as will many others. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones. Esther Klein
Thinking of you
Tom, I am so sorry for your loss and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. In reading Betty’s obituary, I learned that she graduated from Chamberlin HS in 1966. I was a 1965 graduate. Wonderful memories will alway keep her alive in your heart. Nancy Baldwin
Tom,
Please know that you and your family are in our Prayers here in KY. I have known you for only a short time, though in that time I felt what a warm and loving person that Betty was. She was always a pleasure to talk to. God has a plan bigger that anything we can imagine here on earth. May God keep you strong in the days to come. I will be in touch.
Tom,
Please know that you and your family are in our Prayers here in KY. I have known you for only a short time, though in that time I felt what a warm and loving person that Betty was. She was always a pleasure to talk to. God has a plan bigger that anything we can imagine here on earth. May God keep you strong in the days to come. I will be in touch.
Had been out of touch since her parents died. It was such a shock to discover she’s gone. Love to all her family.
Thinking of you.
There was nothing like a lively lunch with Betty!–usually talking over travel plans. She was also always a great listener and a personal comfort at times. My sympathies to her family and close friends for your loss. Charlotte Maas, a fellow co-worker at one time