Cornelia Thelma Dixon

Celebrating a Life Well Lived

Cornelia Thelma (Hunter) Dixon, age 96, passed away peacefully at Cedar Mountain Commons in Newington on November 9, 2025. She was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on October 25, 1929, to the late Earl Hunter, Sr., and Bessie (Sims) Hunter, attended local public schools, and graduated from Leavenworth High School, where she was also a member of the swimming team. Cornelia was employed at Uniroyal for several years and subsequently retired from Peter Paul Cadbury, both located in Naugatuck, CT.

Cornelia, lovingly called "Nea," was married to James H. Dixon for 37 years and was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She made her home with her husband in Elmsford, New York, and was devoted to her family, friends and community. You could find her on the sidelines cheering her grandchildren at their games or watching MSNBC and discussing politics. Cornelia loved traveling, especially cruises—and attending church socials and New York City theater outings.

Cornelia was known for her distinctive sense of style and appreciation for fashion. She loved music and frequently hosted family dinners, particularly on Sundays and during holidays. Oxtails with rice and peas was her preferred meal for celebrating her birthday.

Cornelia was a faithful member of the Mount Hope A.M.E. Zion Church in White Plains, NY, singing in the choir and serving on multiple boards and committees. She was also involved with the Black Democratic Club of Westchester, Bright Hope Chapter No. 46 of the Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall in White Plains, and was a lifetime NAACP member.

She is survived by her daughter, Gail Baptiste-Exum of West Hartford, Connecticut; her grandsons, John "Jay" Baptiste and his wife Nikki of Hurst, Texas, and Jermaine Baptiste and his wife Jennifer of Southington, Connecticut; and her great-grandchildren, Wynter Baptiste, Jaiden Baptiste, and Reese Baptiste. She is also remembered by her brother-in-law, Reverend Oscar Dixon, Sr., and his wife; her sisters-in-law, Gloria of Georgia and Frankie Wade of New York; her nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends Ness Newman, Bev Wilson, and Louvenia Davis.

Cornelia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James H. Dixon; her former spouse, Rudolph Frank; her brother, Earl “Lefty” Hunter, Jr.; her sisters, Dorothy Hunter-Lewis and Sylvia Hunter-Reis; as well as her daughter, Charlene Frank.

The family extends deep gratitude to the compassionate staff at Cedar Mountain Commons in Newington, CT and Hartford Hospital Hospice for their unwavering care.

Memorial services will be held at Cedar Mountain Commons, 3 John H. Stewart Dr, Newington, CT 06111, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM. The arrangements are being handled by Colonial Funeral Home, under the direction of James R. Sanders, Funeral Director. The funeral home is located at 270 West Main St, Waterbury, CT 06702, and can be reached at (203) 754-4000. Condolences may be expressed at colonialfunerals.com