Dixie Ann Moody, age 75, went home to be with Jesus on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer (lymphoma). She leaves behind grieving family and friends who will forever cherish her kindness, love, and sweet spirit, holding dear the many memories she created with those she loved.
She was born on September 2, 1949 in Belle Plaine, Iowa. She was the daughter of Dean and Evelyn (Thompson) Eggert. Dixie graduated as salutatorian of the class of 1967 of HLV Community High School in Victor, Iowa. She attended the University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, Iowa) where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education.
Dixie was united in marriage to James L. Moody in Des Moines, Iowa, on March 17, 1979. They were blessed with four sons. She was employed at Service Photoprint in Des Moines and devoted herself to raising their family. In 1992, they relocated to Monticello, Illinois, where they continued raising their boys. Dixie later worked at Fleener Advertising (Pat Clow) until her retirement in 2014. She remained an active and devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church in Monticello, Illinois.
Survivors include her husband of 46 years, Jim Moody, four sons, David (Megan) Moody of Downers Grove, Illinois, Eric Moody of Champaign, Illinois, Alex (Adriane) Moody of Decatur, Illinois, and John Moody of Monticello, Illinois; grandchildren, Joshua and Anneliese, Lena, Greta and Max; sisters, Deanna Cook and Crystal (Stratton) Benscoter, both of Marengo, Iowa. Three nieces, Johnnette Kruse (Bill Collins), Audra VanBennekom (Doug), and Sara Benscoter. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister in infancy, mother and father-in-law (Emily and Lewis Moody), sister-in-law (Gayle Moody), two brothers-in-law (John Wade and Bill Cook) and a nephew (Jeff Wade).
Dixie was a homebody at heart who skillfully sewed her grandchildren quilts and was always up for playing board games. She was a faithful follower of Christ, living her life as a true servant with a heart of grace and love. Her unwavering faith was a powerful testimony and encouragement to all who knew her, especially her BSF family in Champaign. Her life was centered in her savior, Jesus Christ, and her faith shone brightly until the very end. She never met a stranger, and her kindness and courtesy left a lasting impression on everyone she met. The Moody family would like to thank Barnes Jewish Hospital and Dr. Neha Mehta-Shah and all the staff for their care of her over the years.
Funeral services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Monticello, Illinois on Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm (visitation) and services at 6:00 pm followed by a funeral meal and internment at Moody Cemetery in McGregor, Iowa the following week.
Memorials may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Southern Baptist Convention (Mission Dignity) or an organization of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mackey-wrightfuneralhome.com.
Thornburhg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, McGregor, Iowa is helping with the local arrangements.