Obituary of Harriette Barton Dixon

Harriette Barton Dixon, 84, peacefully passed away after a long illness on Sunday, February 25, 2024, in Columbia, SC.

She was born in Lancaster, SC on August 21, 1939, lovingly nicknamed "Bo-peep" by her paternal grandfather whom she adored, Roland Ghent, aka "Big Daddy". She was a daughter of the late SFC Dewey L. Barton and Dorothy Ghent Barton Clay. In 1953, the family left Lancaster and were stationed in Frankfurt, Germany where they remained for three years. Upon their return to the United States, the family relocated to Greenville, SC where Harriette attended Greenville High School. Upon graduation, she attended the Columbia Hospital School of Nursing earning a degree as a Registered Nurse. After graduation, she remained in Columbia where she raised her family.

Harriette's career as a registered nurse spanned over 43 years. Of those years, 27½ were spent at the SC Department of Mental Health before moving to Byrnes Medical Center for Geriatric Medicine, Research and Education. After retirement, she traveled extensively serving as a Disaster Nurse for the American Red Cross being awarded "Disaster Nurse of the Year" and was recognized as "Outstanding Disaster Nurse". While serving with the Red Cross, she spent over three months in New York City at Ground Zero after the 9/11 tragedy. She tirelessly served the NYC policemen and fireman during the search and recovery missions.

Harriette was known for having a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She was a wonderful and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved nursing and helping others. She enjoyed reading, gardening, visiting her cousins in Lancaster to reminisce about the good old days, and loved her Clemson Tigers! Her favorite pastime was sitting on her screened-in porch watching her cardinals and other birds feeding at the numerous birdfeeders scattered around her backyard. She was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church. Her favorite Bible verses were John 14:1-6.

Harriette is survived by her twin daughters, Joan Elisabeth Kalec of Leesville, and Jane Eliot Swicegood of Columbia; grandchildren, Brodey Keith; Lexi Kalec, PT, DPT; Zachary Swicegood; and Trez Swicegood; great-grandchildren, Cameron Swicegood and Reid Swicegood; sister, Dianne Barton Strickler (Bob); nephew, Jason Strickler; nieces, Alice Barton-Barfield and Lynn Dixon Carroway; along with many cousins in Lancaster, SC and her beloved cat, Buddy.

She is preceded in death by her son, George "Trez" Trezvant Dixon, III; brother, John “Johnny” Sydney Barton; sister-in-law, Carlene Bishop Barton; nephew, Dewey Roland Barton; uncle, Elliott Ghent; and the love of her life, Tom Skelton.

Her family would like to thank the caregivers from Amedisys for their assistance and support over the past two years, as well as Right At Home respite care, and all of the many other healthcare professionals that have helped her along the way.

To honor Harriette's wishes, no funeral or memorial service will be held.

If you would like to honor her memory, please make a donation to the American Red Cross or to a charity of your choice.

The South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.