Dixie Wharton Riley

March 3, 2018
Dixie Wharton Riley

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Dixie Wharton Riley of Wilmington passed away on Saturday, March 3, 2018.

She was born in Key West, Florida and was raised in Charleston, SC. She was a devoted military wife of 20 years moving from base to base with her husband and family and finally settling in Wilmington in 1972. She was devoted to God and her Church and was an active member of Cape Fear Freewill Baptist Church. Dixie was active in her community and was Past President of the National Physical Handicap Association. She volunteered for the past 22 years and devoted her personal time and talents to assist the elderly in their care and daily needs. All who experienced her care and love became dear friends. She was loved by her family and friends and will be missed.

Dixie was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce T. Riley, parents Ada Bell Cook Wharton and John Wharton and son David Riley.

Dixie is survived by her children, Stephen Riley (Jackie), Terry Fowler (Kenny), Wendy Cook (Bill), Chuck “ChuckieD” Dorman, and Cheri Chambers. Grandchildren Shawn, Jonathan, Deonna, Chris, Sarah, and Keith and great grandchildren Alexis, Chris, Jonathan, and Chastity; her twin sister Mildred Taylor (Bill) and sister Bette Honeycutt as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held 12:30 Tuesday March 6, 2018 at Cape Fear Freewill Baptist Church, 5350 Holly Tree Rd., Wilmington, NC 28409. The family will greet friends beginning at 11 am until the service time.

As an expression of sympathy memorial contributions may be made to Cape Fear Freewill Baptist Church by visiting www.tmcfunding.com.

Share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post A Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099.


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  • March 03, 2018
    Wilma Larson lit a candle:
    Lit since March 3, 2018 at 3:14:52 PM

  • March 03, 2018
    Cathy Dixon Boles says:
    There was never nor will there ever be another quite like you, Dixie. You are loved and will be missed by all of us tremendously. You were a light in this world.

  • March 04, 2018
    Melinda Rouse says:
    Steve, Jackie and family, I am so sorry to hear about Dixie. She was a great person.

  • March 04, 2018
    Dorothy Martin says:
    She was a very lovely person . She always had a smile on her lovely face. She will be missed . She is now rejoicing in heaven with my mom in heaven.

  • March 04, 2018
    Ricky Meeks lit a candle:
    Lit since March 4, 2018 at 3:58:29 PM