Blondell Dixon

Attorney Blondell Dixon, transitioned from this life peacefully, surrounded by her family on July 1, 2015 after fighting a courageous battle with liver failure. She faced her illness with great faith, optimism and unparalleled hope.

Blondell was born to Grady and Minnie (Curtis) Dixon of Mobile, Alabama on November 11, 1948. She excelled as a student and was an honors graduate in the Class of 1967 at Mattie T. Blount High School, Prichard, Alabama where she participated on the Debate Team. She received her B.S. in Political Science (Class of 1971) graduating Magma Cum Laude from Dillard University, New Orleans, Louisiana. After scoring the highest on the law school admission test she was eligible to receive a full scholarship to Tulane University School of Law but she chose to attend Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Cleveland, Ohio. She received her J.D. at the age of 26. While attending Dillard, she was an active participant in the Political Science Club and Baptist Student Union. In recognition of her high G.P.A. she was inducted into the Alpha Chi Honor Society. She began her legal career serving as Director of Litigation for Capital Area Litigation Service Baton Rouge. After Louisiana, she moved to Montgomery, Alabama where she played a major role in opening Legal Aid locations offering free services allowing access to equal justice for all citizens. In the early 80's she and Dorema moved to northwest Ohio where she continued free legal aid and later opened her private practice.

Blondell confessed Christ at an early age while attending Greater Zion Hope Primitive Baptist Church in Prichard, Alabama. She was an active member of United Missionary Baptist Church of Toledo, Ohio where she established youth programs.

She was reared in a family that believed in serving the community. She was a dedicated member of her beloved sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and the Thurgood Marshall Law Association. As a politically active person she was diligent in offering her time, gifts and legal talents to her community. Blondell was crowned Queen of the 1977 Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association.

As an avid reader from an early age, her passion for life and learning was an inspiration to those she touched. Blondell found joy and happiness in helping others. The overwhelming love and dedication that she had for her family was shared with her friends, church, community, and her sorority. She felt as Dr. King did, "An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."

Blondell is survived by her daughter, Dorema Rouse; siblings, Hattie Emma (William) Minter, Ella Marie (William "Kit") Carson, Grady "Buck" Dixon, Jr.; Doris Reynolds, Isaac "Ike" Dixon, Legratta (Ronald) Banks, Martye (Carolyn) Dixon and Sonya Santee; she leaves many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends to cherish her memory. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Tilgman Rouse.


A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at United Missionary Baptist Church, 2705 Monroe St., Toledo, 43606. The Newcomer Funeral Home (419-473-0300) assisted the family with professional services.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.