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Dixie Lee (Wray) McGinnis, 81, of Altoona, went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by her loving family at her home Tuesday, after a long battle with Parkinson's. She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Robert and Louise (Shamp) Wray.
She married Edwin L. McGinnis on July 5, 1959, in Altoona. They enjoyed 61 years of marriage together. He preceded her in death on Dec. 31, 2020, after they both battled COVID-19 together.
Surviving are three sons: Edwin and his companion, Rose, of Altoona; David (Paula) of Fort Mill, S.C.; and Terry (Michele) of Altoona; her grandchildren, who lovingly called her "Memaw": Shannon McGinnis, Lindsay (Noah) Calar, Lydia (Tyler) Caskey, Mason (Abby) McGinnis, Matthew McGinnis and Avery (fiancee, Mackenzie) McGinnis; great-grandchildren: LaiLah and Judah Calar, Carter and Hunter Caskey and Luke and Finley McGinnis. Dixie is also survived by her siblings: Barbara Hazenstab, Terry Wray, Rodney Wray and Jeff (Anita) Wray. She raised her brother, Jeff, after their parents passed away, and Jeff's children are also considered her grandchildren: Josh Wray, Jason (Katrina) Wray and Jenna (Marcus) Owens; as well as their children: Collin, Savannah, Peyton and Parker Wray and Eliana and Devyn Owens.
She was preceded in death by three brothers: Robert "Pete" (Janet) Wray, David "Gordon" (Flo) Wray and Donnie and Margaret Wray; her beloved sister, Linda (Joseph) Frank; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. She was known as "Aunt Dixie" to many people, including over 50 nieces and nephews.
Dixie attended Altoona High School and Altoona Beauty School. She was a beautician and was still cutting hair until Parkinson's forced her to stop in 2016.
She enjoyed vacations with her family and spending time with her children and grandchildren, as well as the visits she received at her homestead (where she lived almost her entire life) with her brothers, sisters and their families. She also loved the company of her many cats and dogs throughout her many years on Kettle Street. What she enjoyed most of all was the love she shared with her husband, Ed, who was always her "honey." She adored her three sons and their families and had a special bond with all of her grandchildren. She loved hugs, kisses and telling everyone that she loved them.
Dixie was a lifelong faithful member of East End United Methodist Church.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to her many caretakers over the past several years, including all of the wonderful hospice staff who became part of her family.
Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, at The Good Funeral Home Inc., 108 Alto-Reste Park, Altoona; and from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral service Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Fred Hickok and Pastor Tim Bartholomew officiating. Entombment will take place privately at Blair Memorial.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.thegoodfuneralhomeinc.com.