Jamie Foxx's Sister and Down Syndrome Advocate DeOndra Dixon Dies at 36

Down syndrome advocate DeOndra Dixon, the younger sister of actor Jamie Foxx, has died at the age of 36, according to Foxx’s Instagram post on Monday. Dixon was a global ambassador to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the first recipient of its highest award, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award. Dixon’s cause of death is not known.

In a statement on the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s website, the foundation wrote that the “Down syndrome community has lost a beacon of hope, a true leader, and role model whose aim was to always help others. She was a bright light in this world of ours.” In his Instagram post, Foxx discussed the joy that Dixon brought to everyone around her:

My heart is shattered into a million pieces… 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…

 

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My heart is shattered into a million pieces… 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… even gave her boyfriend @chrisbrownofficial a run for his money… well I know she is in heaven now dancing with her wings on…tho my pain is unbelievable I smile when I think of all of the great memories that she left me… my family… and her friends… from dancing in the blame it video… to Dancing on the Grammys… And becoming The ambassador to @globaldownsyndrome… from sliding down my stairs with a grin as wide as the rio grand… to serenading us with all of her music… Deondra you have left A hole in my heart… but I will fill it with all of the memories that you gave me … I love you with every ounce of me… our family is shattered but we will put the pieces back together with your love… and y’all please keep my family in your prayers… ????????????

A post shared by Jamie Foxx (@iamjamiefoxx) on Oct 26, 2020 at 1:55pm PDT

Fans and friends responded to Dixon’s death on social media and offered condolences.

Excuse me while I curl up in a ball and sob uncontrollably. DeOndra Dixon was such a voice for the Down syndrome community. https://t.co/7y8LDug3Tb

— Christi Caldwell (@ChristiCaldwell) October 27, 2020

So very sorry my friend https://t.co/KWeZkAuwKx

— DL Hughley (@RealDLHughley) October 27, 2020

The National Down Syndrome Society is so sad to hear about the passing of @GDSFoundation Ambassador DeOndra Dixon. Our thoughts are with all who loved her during this difficult time. https://t.co/0sidvavmFn

— NDSS (@NDSS) October 27, 2020

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation said it will honor Dixon in its upcoming fashion shows.