Obituary
Barbara Jane (affectionally known as “BJ”) Dexter, after a courageous battle with cancer, passed from this life into Paradise on October 6, 2021. BJ was born in Oakdale, TN on August 18, 1936. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest Lacy and Harriet Howard Underwood and her first husband, LTC James Gayle Frisbie, Sr., US Army (Ret). She is survived by her second husband, Col. Charles E. Dexter, US Army (Ret) or Ormond Beach, FL; one sister, Marcia Jean Gullett of Sheffield, AL; one son, James G. Frisbie, Jr. (Dana) or Florence, AL; two grandsons, Christopher of Florence, AL and Ryan of Nashville, TN; and one granddaughter, Sarah Frisbie Steel (Doug) of Birmingham, AL.
She was perhaps most admired for her life-long activities centered around her marriages to two career US Army Officers, both active duty and retired. Her life was filled with worldwide experiences and newly developed interests. Among her numerous wifely-duties and fond personal associations were serving as president and leader of Army Officers Wives Clubs in several military installations from New Mexico to West Germany. She was the proud teacher, sponsor, and mentor for many young officer wives helping them with their chosen new-found life as loving, patriotic, and devoted army wives. BJ committed herself to enhancing their self-worth, love of family, allegiance to the United States.
Following her years as an active-duty officers’ wife and upon retirement in Florida, she became known for her excellence as a hostess. Everyone wanted to be on the guest lists for her famous annual Christmas parties. She was a fantastic cook and even entertained guests with her beautiful piano playing and sing-along’s evoking much praise from guests, and yes, the listening neighbors. She and husband Charlie were members of the Daytona Beach Yacht Club and the Oceanside Golf and Country Club of Ormond Beach, FL where arguably she was touted as the most “dined” member in almost twenty years. She loved dining at Oceanside and appreciated the management, kitchen, and wait staff, especially during her prolonged illness. Also, in her later retired years she became a strong advocate and outspoken supporter of the Constitution of the United States and those politically affiliated with its conservative principles and values. BJ loved God, family, country, dogs, cooking, sewing, and playing piano.
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Downtown Florence, AL (date and time TBD). Visitation for family and friends will be 1 hour before the service. Her son Jim and the Church Reverend will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local Hospice affiliates.
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