101 ¾ years! Over a century of love, faith, strength, grace and perseverance. Pauline witnessed a lot of history in her 101 ¾ years.

The Civil Rights movement with freedom marches and sit ins before the assassination of Martin Luther King and Malcom X. The bombing of the 16^th Street Baptist Church that she and her family attended and were members of. Blacks getting the right to vote in 1965. In awe, she witnessed the election of the first Black President Barack Obama and the first female Vice President Kamala Harris. She was blessed and elated to see her daughter Pat receive a kidney transplant.

Pauline Salter Dicon was born June 28^th, 1924 to Herbert and Ethel (May) Salter. Pauline was the 4^th of 8 children – Mable, Florrie, Frank, Randal, Ethel, James and Elbert; who all preceded her in death. Being from a large family, her childhood was full of the usual ups and downs of family life when the home is filled with the laughter and antics of energetic children. Growing up during the Great Depression in the South taught her values of appreciation and faith. They were not rich but she never felt poor as her mom could stretch whatever portions of food into something delicious and they were never hungry. At an early age Pauline became a member of the 16^th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. She often attended Sunday school there. That church is now a historical landmark that was rebuilt after it was bombed by the KKK in 1963 during the Civil Rights Movement. Four little girls who were attending Sunday school died in the bombing. Although in Cleveland at the time, Pauline felt their loss deeply. Her childhood had been so different and yet similar because of the church.

Pauline was an excellent student who loved learning and school so much that she never wanted to miss a day. This earned her many awards for Perfect Attendance in grade school. After graduating from Parker High School in 1940, Pauline went on to further her education at Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama. She had dreams of becoming a teacher.

In 1944 Pauline relocated to Cleveland, Ohio and moved in with her sister Mable. During this time, she met the love of her life- Benny Dixon! They were united in holy matrimony on May 18, 1945 and their union was blessed with 2 beautiful daughter Pat and Brenda. Before her children were born Pauline worked for the Internal Revenue Service while her husband fulfilled his military duty with the navy. After her children were born Pauline became a stay at home mother. She was very active in her children’s lives and took pride in keeping her family close. Well known at her children’s schools because of her involvement with the PTA and she always made a point of helping her children with their schoolwork. Finally a teacher to her own children! Pauline was there by their side helping with homework, studying at the kitchen table with flashcards or memorizing a poem for a school play. Always a devoted and loving mother.

Throughout her blessed life Pauline showed unconditional love to her family, friends and neighbors. And has been an inspiration and guiding light to all. Whenever hearing the words “I love you”; Pauline’s response was undoubtedly “I love you more” and it was true! Pauline was a person who would help you if you needed help with a generous spirit that left you feeling that someone cared and always remembered you. She could have fun and bring humor to help lighten a heavy moment. A true woman of faith, Pauline continued her spiritual journey at Shiloh Baptist Church where she remained a member for over 70 years until her death. With age it became harder for Pauline to attend in person, but every Sunday she attended church service online and actively participated in Tuesday evening prayer call getting to tell church members “I’m so blessed to be here and thank you for your prayers.” Pauline loved the music too! Through the years her children remember her always singing as she did her housework. Often hymns like Blessed Assurance or Oh, How I Love Jesus were sung throughout her 101 years. After rearing her children Pauline went back to work and was hired at the Office of Unemployment as a Claims Examiner. A smart and steadfast worker, she served in this position for many years until retirement in April 1986.

She and her husband Benny often traveled during retirement and enjoyed going to the theater and church. If you saw them together, they were always holding hands. Sadly her husband passed away in 1990. Her faith carried her through and with time and the love of family and friends; she persevered. Pauline loved to visit her daughter Brenda in California; where they would go sightseeing, eat at all the great restaurants and visit family and friends. For excitement they would often travel to Las Vegas. Pauline loved playing the slot machines where she was always lucky.

Pauline never lost her love for life or for the people she cared about. She became like another “mom” to her daughter’s friends and was “Mom Dixon” in the neighborhood where she was well known and loved. As time passed Pauline enjoyed spending more of her time at home relaxing or watching sports on TV. She loved watching the Guardians, Cavaliers, and never gave up on the Browns.

On March 31^st, 2026 Pauline went to her heavenly home to rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior. Pauline leaves to cherish her memory her daughters Myrna Patricia Taylor (John) and Brenda Joyce Dixon. Grandsons John Longshaw and Derek Longshaw (Larry Webb) and Great Granddaughter Tristina Blue. And a host of loving and caring nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbors, and friends.