Nola Jane (Dixon) Guillory, 70 years old of Lake Charles, La., passed away on Oct. 23, 2024, at Houston Methodist-West Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Feb. 20, 1954, in Lafayette, La. to Melvin Dixon Sr. and Corinne (Lavergne) Dixon.

Nola grew up in Lake Charles, La. She graduated from Lagrange Senior High School, where she was an exceptional athlete, winning two presidential awards in track and field and qualifying for the Junior Olympics. She excelled in sports like trampoline, gymnastics, shot put, discus, and archery. Her dedication and enthusiasm extended beyond athletics into her family life and personal interests.

Known as a true jack-of-all-trades, Nola worked as a scaffolder at Citgo refinery in Westlake, La., and later as a nursing aide at St. Patrick’s Hospital, Martin de Porres Nursing Home, and as a private caregiver in Lake Charles, La.

As a devoted homemaker, she cherished time spent with her family, filial to her Catholic faith, and found peace in the outdoors. She enjoyed cutting her own yard, gardening, loved her cat Sherman, cooking, sharing family stories with her loved ones. Nola also had a passion for reading and actively attended health conferences and breast cancer awareness, advocating for these important causes. Her warmth and joy in life touched all who knew her.

She was a dedicated advocate, championing the rights and welfare of disabled and homeless veterans and promoting mental health awareness as a member of NAMI. Her compassion and desire to help others left a lasting impact on her community.

Nola was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church and later Saint Philomena Chapel in Morse, La. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life, providing comfort and strength. Nola is survived by her children, Marvin Guillory (Lake Charles), Hilman Guillory Jr. (New York City), Robert (Rachelle) Guillory (Lake Charles), and Adrian Guillory (Lake Charles); siblings, Emily (Dixon) Goins, Melvin (Brenda) Dixon Jr., and Karl “James” Dixon; 16 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, as well as, numerous extended family members and friends who will miss her warmth and joyful spirit.

Nola was preceded in death by her loving husband of 31 years, Hilman Guillory Sr.; her son, Richard Jeremy Guillory, and parents, Melvin Dixon Sr. and Corinne (Lavergne) Gertrude Dixon.

Funeral services will be as follows, visitation Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 at J. E. Hixson & Sons Funeral Home from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. at St. Philomena Chapel in Morse, La. The Rev. Fr. Christopher Spray will officiate. Burial will be at Prien Memorial Park Cemetery Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at 11 a.m.