Dixie Courtney Shemwell

Dixie Shemwell, 85, Hot Springs, Arkansas, formerly of Tipton, Missouri, died peacefully on December 5, 2025. She was a woman whose spirit ran as free and fearless as the horses she loved. From the time she was a young girl, she found her joy in horses. Horses weren’t just a hobby for her, they were truly a lifelong passion, a source of peace, strength, encouragement and much success.

Dixie graduated Tipton High School, attended Columbia Christian University and the University of Central Missouri. On June 11, 1961, she married Orville Courtney, they were married 27 years until his death in 1988. In the year 1995 she married her second husband, Jack Shemwell, they were married 26 years until his death in 2016.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jim W. and Wylma Briscoe and Lois Drake (mother) of Tipton, Missouri, a sister Jeanne Collins of Dallas, Texas and a brother Tom Briscoe of Tipton, Missouri.

Dixie is survived by her two children: Kenda (Courtney) Woodall of Hot Springs, Arkansas and Kevin Courtney of Corinth, Texas, her five grandchildren, Jared and Nicholas Barbour, Max Firkins, Tristan and Pierce Courtney and her sister, Elaine Tyler of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Dixie was a gifted musician, she played both the piano and organ, taught music and voice lessons, hosted foreign exchange students from all over the world, one of which bought one of Dixie’s horses and flew it home to Germany. Dixie was an active member in the Methodist Church and later enjoyed church services offered at the retirement community.

Dixie trained and rode horses from the age of 3 until 80. She trained for herself and others, was very successful in the show ring and believed a good horse was a good horse, regardless of the breed. She knew that in making a good horse it took a lot of time and versatility both in and out of the show ring. She had many enjoyable times trail riding with her daughter Kenda and her grandchildren, Jared, Nicholas and Max as well as her friends from all over the US. She loved the outdoors, dancing country western and ballroom and she loved to laugh. When she wasn’t outdoors, she enjoyed playing Scrabble, Bridge, watching soap operas, reading books and having her nails done.

Her favorite bible verse was from the book of 1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now abide faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” By the grace of God, she has found her eternal home where she is now reunited with her horses, dogs and so many family and friends.

In keeping with Dixie’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. A celebration of life will be at a later time.

Dixie will remain in our hearts forever. May she rest in peace.