Sally Dixon Rakes, 82, of Woodlawn, Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Born on March 29, 1944, in Galax, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Charlie and Hazel Billings Dixon.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Paul Rakes; daughter-in-law Mary Rakes; brothers Charlie Alec and Griggs Dixon; and sister Betty Tilley.

She is survived by her four children: daughters Paula Rakes and Marlene Edwards (Glenn), both of Woodlawn, Virginia; and sons Edward Rakes of Grayson County, Virginia and Gordon Rakes of Baywood, Virginia. She was a proud grandmother to Sally Ann Edwards of Charlotte, North Carolina; Reece Edwards (Macey) of Roanoke, Virginia; Cassie Grubb (Mitchell) of Troutdale, Virginia; and Calvin Rakes (Olivia) of Grayson County, Virginia. She also leaves behind her cherished great-granddaughters, twin sisters Keshia and Lydia Grubb, who brought her immeasurable joy. Sally is also survived by sisters Mary Leonard (Frank) of Wytheville, Virginia and Nancy Salcido of Galax , Virginia; sister-in-law Trish Dixon of Woodlawn, Virginia; brother-in-law James Tilley of Galax, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.

A devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, Sally dedicated her life to raising her children and caring for her family. She was a talented seamstress and a woman of deep faith in Jesus Christ whose gentle spirit and steadfast devotion inspired all who knew her. For 50 years, she was a faithful member of Cliffview Church of God in Galax, Virginia, where she formed lifelong friendships and served with a loving heart.

Sally found peace and happiness in the simple pleasures of life, especially spending time outdoors. She loved to fish, and many of her fondest days were spent by the water with a rod in hand, enjoying the quiet beauty of nature and the company of those she loved.

Her greatest pride was her family, and her happiest moments were spent surrounded by them. Her Legacy of kindness, strength, and unwavering faith will continue to live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A funeral service will be held Thursday April 2, 2026 at 2:00PM in Cliffview Church of God, with Pastor Jackie Poe officiating.  Burial will follow in McKenzie Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00PM until time of the service in Cliffview Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children's Ministry of Cliffview Church of God, 2923 Fries Road, Galax, Virginia 24381.