Deborah Jean Tajalle was born the third of 12 children to the late and loving parents Jesse Alexander Dixon II and Barbara Jean Scales on April 21, 1957. Deborah passed away peacefully at the Floyd E. “Tut” Fann State Veterans Home on November 4, 2024, in Huntsville, Alabama at the age of 67.
Deborah grew up in Altgeld Gardens Homes, a public housing project on the far south side of Chicago, Illinois. She enjoyed playing basketball and softball along with other activities such as skating, jumping rope, and card games.
After graduating from Carver Area High School in 1976, Deborah enlisted in the U.S. Army, where she would go on to have a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades. During her tour, she met and married Vicente Aflleje Tajalle of Piti, Guam. Rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7), she was a highly respected Ammunition Operations Supervisor, overseeing operations across Europe, managing critical U.S. Army stock items, and contributing to the safe and efficient handling of munitions in several military theaters.
Her military service was marked by exceptional leadership, dedication, and a deep sense of duty. Deborah’s accomplishments included coordinating the largest warehousing operation in military history at the time, overseeing the transfer of 1,100 tons of ammunition in just 30 days. For her exemplary service, she was awarded three Army Achievement Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, and several Good Conduct Medals, among other recognitions.
Deborah retired from the Army in 1995 and sought new challenges in civilian life. She obtained a Commercial Driver’s License and found a job in the trucking industry, working as a professional truck driver for Swift Transportation in Decatur, Alabama. During her time with Swift, she achieved over 100,000 accident-free miles in her first year and maintained a flawless customer service record, further exemplifying her commitment to excellence. Deborah later pursued a career as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service where she worked from 1997 until 2003 where she retired as the result of suffering a major stroke.
As a stroke survivor, Deborah demonstrated remarkable resiliency, determination and adaptability. With the aid of her adult children, she was able to continue to live and thrive independently for many years thereafter.
In the final phase of her life, Deborah became a resident of Regency Retirement Village in Huntsville where she quickly became a favorite of both the residents and staff who frequently described her as “the sweetest lady”. In keeping with her strong sense of duty, Deborah sought out ways to contribute to the Regency community, eventually becoming the resident “Mail Lady” responsible for delivering letters and packages throughout the facility. After becoming an expert in maneuvering and controlling her powered wheelchair, Deborah assisted with training other residents who were learning to use their own powered wheelchairs for the first time.
Deborah was a woman of integrity, work ethic, and dedication to both her family and her career. She was a mentor to many and a steadfast friend to all who knew her. Outside of her professional life, Deborah enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including spending time with family, watching movies and TV shows, exploring homeopathy and naturopathy, and seeking out spiritual knowledge across a variety of resources. Her warm heart and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Deborah is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Jesse “Duke” Alexander Dixon, III, her sister Lauren “Niecy” Dixon, her brother Marcus “Mark” Dixon. She is survived by her children, Latosha Enchantra Tajalle Baldwin and Fernando “Fred” Jose Tajalle, grandsons: Jeremiah Tajalle and Ireoluwa Tajalle Banjo; siblings: Dawn Dixon, Chandra “Vicki” Dixon, Cheryl Dixon, Darren Dixon, Cara “Kitten” Dixon Turner, Latonya “Tonya” Dixon, Marlon Dixon and Baron “Lundy” Dixon, extended family, and a wide circle of friends who will continue to remember her with great love and admiration.
Deborah’s unwavering service to her country, her commitment to excellence, and her kind and compassionate nature will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
Rest in peace, Deborah. You have earned your rest, and your legacy will live on.
