The younger sister of actor Jamie Foxx has died at age 36.
DeOndra Dixon died on Monday, October 19, People magazine reported. The cause of death is unknown.
Foxx’s Kid Sister
Foxx paid tribute to his kid sister, who had Down Syndrome, in a heartfelt Instagram post. He shared a black and white photo of himself with his sister and ended his comments with three broken heart emojis.
“My heart is shattered into a million pieces,” Foxx wrote. “My beautiful loving sister Deondra has transitioned… I say transitioned because she will always be alive… anyone who knew my sis… knew that she was a bright light… I can’t tell you how many times we have had parties at the house where she has got on the dance floor and stolen the show.”
According to Entertainment Tonight, Dixon was born in Dallas, Texas. She and Foxx share a mother. Her father is Foxx’s stepfather George Dixon.
Dancing Through Life
Dixon had taken part in the Special Olympics since she was in the 6th grade. But what she really loved was dancing.
After she graduated high school, she moved to Thousand Oaks, California to be with Foxx and the rest of the family.
Dixon had been an ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation since 2011. The nonprofit foundation strives to better the lives of people with Down Syndrome through advocacy, education, medical care and research. Further, it lobbies for changes to help the Down Syndrome population.
“Lots of kids with Down syndrome never get a chance to shine or chase their dreams,” Dixon once told the foundation. “Each one has something to offer and each one has a dream. Please help me and my family to advocate for so many beautiful and brilliant children with Down syndrome who’ve been neglected. Together we will make dreams come true.”
