Remembering Dixie Allen

By Sherri Goudy

Today, one week after the passing of the Honorable Dixie Allen, Children’s Historical publishing would like to honor the memory and legacy of this trailblazer. She was a state lawmaker, who served as a representative to the Ohio House from 1998-2006.  She also served as Montgomery County commissioner.  Prior to her political service, she worked as a civilian employee for the United States Air Force for 39 years. She worked at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Los Angeles Air Force Base, and Andrews Air Force Base.  Her career with the USAF began as a specialist in data systems management with responsibilities that included computer operator, programmer, analyst, and systems officer.  Later she transitioned to human resources where she held a significant position at Headquarters Air Force Logistics Command.  In this position, she was responsible for the management of 85,000 civilian employees located at seven Air Force Bases across six states.

 After retiring from her career with the Air Force, Allen served the Dayton community.  She worked at Dayton Metropolitan Housing Authority for nearly 5 years. During her political career in Ohio, she also helped to start the Educational Choice (EdChoice) Scholarship in Ohio, which provides the opportunity for private education to students in underperforming public schools. According to her family and former colleagues, she cared about the community, especially children and wanted a better future for them through education.

 Dixie Allen’s legacy is so much more valuable than that of an advocate for education and community betterment.  Allen cared about people and cared believed in their ability to succeed against all odds.  This is proven through her work and through her example.  Her son, Lenny Allen, told the Dayton Daily News that she achieved greatness in institutions that were dominated by white males. Born in 1935, and starting her career within the USAF in the 1950s, Allen was a minority in her sex and race throughout. But still she rose. From her success as a student, to her climb on the career and political ladder, Dixie Allen will be remembered as a trailblazer and an example for all of us that perseverance, education, and caring about people lead to greatness.  

DIXIE ALLEN, AGE 84, PASSED AWAY MARCH 31, 2019. IMAGE FROM DAYTON DAILY NEWS.