Wanda Mae Kirwin Dixon, age 96, of Leawood, KS, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026 surrounded by her family. Wanda was born June 22, 1930 in Woodland, AR, daughter of Sherman H. and Maude I (Self) Kirwin.
After graduating from Clarksville High School in 1948 she rode the train to Little Rock, AR to attend Draughon Business College. Wanda stayed with the John Oaks Almand family and supported his architectural business while attending school. Upon graduating she worked for USF&G Insurance company of Little Rock as a secretary.
On November 16, 1951, Wanda married Eugene L. Dixon, at Scotts Street Methodist Church. Eugene preceded her in death on February 4, 2014. They moved to Fayetteville, AR in 1963 and raised their two children.
She retired in 1996 from the University of Arkansas with Emeritus status where she started work as a secretary for the Chemistry Department. She became Administrative Assistant to Management Department Head and retired as Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Chemical Engineering.
She was a member of the Central United Methodist Church and Asbury Sunday School Class. She was an avid football fan. Her favorite teams were the Kansas City Chiefs and the Arkansas Razorbacks. Wanda really enjoyed learning about new subjects of interest. Her hobbies included gardening, reading, bird and wildlife watching, following NFL Football, watching collegiate sports, and travel. Many of the memories Wanda shared with friends, caregivers and her family centered around her entire family, her close friendships, former students and memorable sporting events. She was a loving and caring woman with a wonderful sense of humor.
Wanda is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her one sister, Rita F (Kirwin) Cole.
Wanda is survived by her son Charles R. Dixon and daughter in law Sandy (Kansas City, MO) and her daughter Martha L. Barraza and son in law Douglas (Overland Park, KS) and her three grandchildren Patrick and Lily Dixon and Lucia Barraza.
There will be a family graveside service on a future date.