Ethel Lee Dixon was born on June 6, 1949, in Gresham, South Carolina, to her late father, Andrew J. Graves, and her late mother, Easter Mae Graves. She graduated from Bethel High School in Gresham, South Carolina, in 1967. At the age of 17, she moved to Boston, Massachusetts. Years later, she met and married the late Eugene Irving Dixon. Ethel worked at Morse Shoe Factory in Canton, Massachusetts, before securing a position at the Department of Transitional Assistance in Boston. She also pursued her passion for art by attending an art school in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

Ethel was the proud mother of two children: Sophia A. Dixon, born in 1970, and Illya E. Dixon, born in 1971. In her early years, she enjoyed shopping and had a deep love for music, especially down-home blues. Betty Wright, Tyrone Davis, James Brown, and King George were among her favorites. She also loved fried chicken wings, Chinese food, and lobster.

Ethel was a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, sister, wife, and loyal friend. Her memory will be cherished by her grandchildren: Quadarrell L. Dixon, Stephon L. Horne, Raheem M. Dixon (deceased), Yanel J. Woods, Amani A. Woods, Jayden E. Smith, Ahron Dixon, and Kameron Dixon. She is also survived by her brother Eugene Graves and sister-in-law Mary Graves, and their children Christopher Graves, Cyril Graves, Calvin Graves, and Nicole Graves; her late brother MacNeil Graves and sister-in-law Jeannette Graves, and their children Napoleon Graves, Tyshawn Graves, Jabril Graves, Bruce Graves, and Diane; her sister Mildred Graves; her late brother-in-law John Bingham and his daughter Janell Bingham; and her brother Arthur Graves and his daughter Lichelle Bradshaw. Ethel was also predeceased by her sisters Ruth Graves and Esther Graves. Also, whom she loved dearly her godson Cullen Dees.