Smethport – Dixie Lee McGavisk “Mema” of Smethport, PA, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 14, 2026. She was born September 24, 1941, in Kane, PA to the late Robert Hewitt and Wilma Stickles Chesnut. Dixie was an avid member of the Hilltop Baptist Church.

She loved and cherished her family more than anything, second only to God.

The “Pink Lady”, as she was very well known, also treasured her personal possessions in her favorite color pink. Such as pink clothing, furniture, and appliances, to name a few. You may have even seen Mema cruising around in her pink car!

Dixie spent her working career at Zippo Manufacturing as a beautician, owned and operated a day care, EMT, medical secretary, and as a home health aid. She also donated her time to the church as a Sunday school teacher and actively volunteered, making sure parishioners’ birthdays and anniversaries were not forgotten.

Dixie is survived by her three daughters, Brenda Young of Florence, SC, Julie McGavisk of Eldred, Kathy McGavisk Carpenter of Smethport; and one son. John Jay McGavisk of Bradford. Seven grandchildren, Brandon, Tiffany, Justin, Heather, Kody, Ryanna, and Kylar. Thirteen great-grandchildren, Breawna, Jordan, Brock, Bailey, Koda, Maggie, Everett, Arya, Jonahs, Jax, Loerali, Isaiah, and Kendall. Two sisters, Bonnie Conklin of Clarendon and Judie Kahle of Cuba, NY

Dixie was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson, Kruze Carpenter, a sister, Karla Hewitt, and three stepbrothers, Ted, Rick, and Larry Chesnut.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, from noon-1PM at Hilltop Baptist Church, Gifford, where funeral services will begin at 1PM with the Rev. Max Simms, pastor, officiating. Lunch will be served after services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hilltop Baptist Church, Gifford. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.