Dixie Lee (NeeDoty) Branscom, 71, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at her home.

Born May 7, 1945 in Kirksville, Missouri, Dixie was the daughter of the late Wally and Charlene (Beck) Doty.

Dixie was a 1963 graduate of Kirksville High School, a 1967 graduate of NMSU receiving a bachelor's degree in Phys. Ed., a 1977 graduate of NMSU with a master's degree in Physical Ed., and a 1995 graduate of Indian Hills Community College with a associates degree in nursing, becoming a registered nurse. She taught and coached in elementary and secondary schools as well as at the collegiate level in Missouri, Minnesota, and Illinois. Dixie retired from the Kirksville Area Technical Center where she taught practical nursing courses. She also worked for a number of years as a traveling nurse throughout the country.

Dixie was known for her great love of animals, especially Sheltie dogs (aka, Shetland Sheepdogs), cats, and chickens. She was also an avid morel mushroom hunter.

Dixie is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Billy and Shelley Branscom; one brother, Wally Doty II, grandchildren, Benjamin, Katie and Lylah Branscom, and many cousins and friends.

It was Dixie's wish to be cremated and a memorial service to honor her life will be held 12:00 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor Robert Flanagan officiating.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, May 6, 2017 for one hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her son Billy Branscom. Donations may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.