Dixon, Johnnie

Interview 199a : In this interview with Patsy Colbert, Johnnie Dixon reminisces about growing up in Diboll and attending Diboll Colored School and H.G. Temple School in the 1950's and 1960's before school integration. She remembers several of her teachers, including Inez Smith, Willie Ross, Mr. Jeffero, Mrs. Gilbert, and Mr. Massey. She also recalls Diboll Day and the segregated events, especially in 1964 when she was nominated as one of the Diboll Day Queen candidates for the African American community. After graduation, Mrs. Dixon worked in the Diboll schools for 36 years, starting out as an elementary school P.E. aid and eventually retiring in 2009 as the high school receptionist. Mrs. Dixon recalls going to The Family Affair club, The Timberland Theater, Joe Diamond's Café, and Pavlic's and Powell's grocery stores.