Nation's oldest female veteran dies at 108

WASHINGTON - A woman believed to be the oldest living female veteran died on Wednesday. She was 108.

According to the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Alyce Dixon died peacefully in her sleep. She was one of the first African-American women in the Army joining the Women's Army Corps in 1943. She was stationed in England and France during World War II, working in the postal service as part of the 6888th Battalion.

After leaving the Army, Dixon worked at the Census Bureau and the Pentagon where she served as a purchasing agent. She retired in 1973.

Dixon was known as "Queen Bee" while living at Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center's Community Living Center. She was noted by many for her elegant sense of style and fashion and she "never left her room without fixing her makeup and hair."

"She will be missed by our 'Capitol Excellence' family, especially the caregivers and Veterans of our Community Living Center," said Medical Center director Brian Hawkins. "She was one-of-a-kind; a strong-willed, funny, wise, giving and feisty WWII Veteran. Her message touched a lot of people. It has been an honor to care for the oldest female Veteran. The DC VA Medical Center won't be the same without her."