Dixie Lee (nee Forrester) Preece

Born in El Centro, California as the eldest of 3 children to George and Georgia Forrester, Dixie lived and attended school in Imperial Valley. At the age of 15 her best friend introduced her to her uncle, a young Air Force man visiting while on leave. Three years later in 1955, after her high school graduation, Vern and Dixie were married in Yuma, Arizona.

Shortly after their marriage, Vern was stationed to Guam. While they were stationed in Guam, Vern and Dixie welcomed their daughter, Cynthia, into their lives. In time all three were able to return stateside and join family.

In 1965 Vern, Dixie and Cindy moved into the home in San Diego where Dixie still lived until recently.

Professionally, Dixie began working for the City of San Diego.  She worked in various departments and eventually became a radio/telephone dispatcher for the San Diego Police Department.

She was highly respected by the officers, commended for excellence by superiors and thoroughly enjoyed her career until her retirement 20 years ago.

Officers who worked with her always commented on her calm during chaos and her ability to keep them out of harm’s way with her thorough and precise directions.

For years after retirement, Dixie cared for Vern while he was consumed by Alzheimer’s until his death in 2016.

Her brother, Charles, passed on September 10, 2021.

Dixie is survived by her daughter, Cynthia, 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. As well as her sister, Crystal ReVeal and niece, Patricia Karlin.  Services will not be held. She will be interned at Miramar with her husband.

THE THIN BLUE LINE

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POLICE DISPATCHER DIXIE L. PREECE

ID 8329

SDPD 12/30/1963 - 02/16/2000

08/15/1937 - 10/10/2021