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 05, 2018
    Ellen Watts says:
    I met Dixie years ago, when she was helping an elderly resident of my Mother's family care home facility. She was truly devoted to helping the elderly and could always be counted on to be there for them. One could not be in the same room with Dixie and not get to know her...she was a force within herself, she had one of the most loving and caring personalities...it's just who she was. She loved her church and God and was bold in sharing that with anyone. I did not know when I met Dixie that I had known her daughter Wendy for many years and only made the connection when visiting Wendy (and Bill) a couple of years after meeting Dixie. Sending my condolences to Wendy, Shawn and the rest of Dixie's family. Prayers for God's strength during this time, may your hearts be flooded with sweet memories of Dixie, not only now, but in the years to come.

  • March 06, 2018
    Wendy n Abigail Pegram lit a candle:
    Lit since March 6, 2018 at 3:39:50 PM

  • March 06, 2018
    J.Y. SMITH says:
    TO THE FAMILY OF DIXIE WHARTON RILEY. I AM SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. PLEASE KNOW THAT OUR HEAVENLY FATHER JEHOVAH GOD UNDERSTANDS YOUR PAIN AND HE CARES ABOUT YOU. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3,4. JEHOVAH, AS WELL AS HIS SON CHRIST JESUS WISH TO REUNITE US WITH OUR DECEASED LOVED ONES AGAIN BY MEANS OF A RESURRECTION TO LIFE HERE ON A BEAUTIFUL PARADISE EARTH WHERE SICKNESS,PAIN AND DEATH WILL NO LONGER BE. JOHN 5:28,29; ACTS 24:15; REVELATION 21-3-5; PSALMS 37:10,11&29; & JOB 14:13,14. MAY YOU CHERISH THE MEMORIES YOU HAVE OF DIXIE UNTIL THAT TIME. PLEASE ACCEPT MY SINCERE SYMPATHIES. JW.org