Dixie Ann Rakestraw's Obituary
Dixie Ann Rakestraw, 88, of Millsboro, Delaware, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026.
Born on January 25, 1938, in Braxton County, West Virginia, Dixie was the daughter of Atha A. Hinkle and Freda M. Gifford Hinkle. During World War II, her family relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, where her father helped build Liberty ships in support of the war effort. After a brief time in Shenandoah, the family settled in the mountains outside Lexington, Virginia. Dixie loved spending time there with her brothers Arthur and Richard, and her sisters Betty and Carol, who all predeceased her.
Dixie returned to Baltimore to attend Johns Hopkins University, where she met her husband, James William "Bill" Rakestraw, Jr. The couple married on August 25, 1961, and began their life together, living for several years in Acton, Massachusetts, before making their home in Fox Mill Estates in Fairfax County, Virginia. There they raised their daughters, Lisa and Hilary, before separating in 1993.
After dedicating herself to raising her family, Dixie embarked on a successful career in real estate in the mid 1980’s. As a realtor serving Northern Virginia for more than two decades, she earned a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and exceptional knowledge of the region's homes and neighborhoods. Her remarkable success included achieving millions of dollars in sales and becoming a trusted advisor to countless clients.
Dixie embraced life with enthusiasm and warmth. She loved good food, good times, and the company of family and friends. An avid traveler and reader, she especially enjoyed mystery and romance novels, and she rarely missed an evening spent watching British mystery series on PBS. Her beloved dogs brought her constant companionship and joy throughout her life.
A woman of resilience, Dixie faced breast cancer and other health challenges with strength and determination. She spent her final years in Millsboro, Delaware, where she continued to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and the love of those around her.
Dixie was preceded in death by her husband, James William "Bill" Rakestraw, Jr.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Lisa Rakestraw and Hilary Rakestraw; her many cousins; and dear friends who will remember her with love and gratitude.
A Memorial Luncheon will be announced by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Homeward Trails Animal Rescue in honor of Dixie's lifelong love of dogs at https://www.homewardtrails.org
Please sign Ms. Rakestraw's Tribute wall at this site.
What’s your fondest memory of Dixie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dixie?
Share a story where Dixie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dixie you’ll never forget.
How did Dixie make you smile?