Velma Hixson
Velma (Dinsmore) Hixson, 70, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022.
She was born in Athens, Tn. on Aug. 12, 1951, to the late Joe and Ester Dinsmore and lived in the Spring Creek community. The family moved to the Ooltewah area around 1960. Velma graduated from Birchwood High School in 1969, attended Cleveland State Community College for two years, and graduated from UTC with honors in 1974.
Velma attended Big Springs Church of Christ where she taught a teenage Sunday school class as a young teenager herself. She also taught Sunday school at Ware Branch Church of Christ and Tyner Church of Christ while serving as church treasurer and a leader of the ladies' Bible study class. Velma enjoyed traveling, singing, and fellowship with the church congregation. She loved her grandchildren and spoiled them as only a grandmother could.
Velma was a CPA and enjoyed a rewarding career at Blue Cross Blue Shield, Erlanger Hospital, Fortwood Mental Health, and UT Physicians/PPR. She was the first female Medicare field auditor at Blue Cross and first female assistant controller at Erlanger.
In addition to her parents, Velma was preceded in death by her brothers: Ken, Frank, and Robert Dinsmore.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Dale Hixson; mother-in-law Geraldine (Don) Tanner; sons, Andy (Amy) Hixson of Denver, CO, and Jake (Maggie) Hixson of Boston, MA; grandchildren, Abby, Ash, and Harry; brother, Vernon (Devra) Dinsmore; sisters, Helen (Jimmy) Bledsoe, Kitty (Lawrence) Watkins, and Glenda (Sammy) Sedman; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Thank you to our wonderful caregivers: doctors, nurses, and staff of Erlanger's 7th Floor Oncology unit. Hospice of Chattanooga, Comprehensive Care, and Janie Cook.
The family will receive friends on Friday, Aug. 5, from 3 – 7 p.m. at Turner Funeral Home, 3913 Webb Road at Highway 58, Chattanooga, Tn. 37416.
Visitation will also be held on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Tyner Church of Christ, 6620 Bonny Oaks Drive, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421. The funeral service will immediately follow with Ministers George Cupp and John Cupp officiating.
Velma will be laid to rest in New McDonald Eastview Cemetery following the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Tyner Church of Christ, donate blood through Blood Assurance (bloodassurance.org), or in Velma’s spirit of generosity, please donate to an organization of your choice.
Please share your memories and express condolences at www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by Turner Funeral Home, Highway 58 Chapel, 423 622-3171.