Dexter is a gifted musician and community advocate, hails from the small town of Columbia, Louisiana, located 30 miles south of Monroe. Her passion for music started early, and she has developed into an accomplished artist with a voice that most describes as “angelic.” Dexter’s musical journey was inspired by her family, particularly her mother, who sang in the senior choir at The Brownsville Baptist Church, and her older sister, Mrs. Betty Robinson, who not only led a youth choir but also served as their musician. Dexter fondly remembers accompanying her mother to choir rehearsals when she was just eight years old. It was during this time that she developed a profound love for music and a desire to learn to play instruments like the piano and organ. She was especially drawn to the piano, captivated by its sound and the way it resonated with her soul. These early influences from her family set the stage for her lifelong dedication to music.
When Dexter entered the sixth grade, she joined the school band, where she was introduced to the flute, an instrument that she would come to love. Under the guidance of Mr. Ennis King, the director of the Caldwell Parish Junior High Band, Dexter flourished. She fondly remembers Mr. King as the best band director the school ever had, and his mentorship played a crucial role in her musical development. Dexter chose the flute because she loved the instrument’s high-pitched sound, which complemented her soprano voice. Her dedication and talent were evident from the start, as she earned the coveted position of first chair flute, a role she held throughout high school. She even earned the prestigious John Philip Sousa Award, the highest musical honor that could be bestowed upon a Highschool music student, a recognition she shares with her late sister, Crystal Gail Martin Williams, who also received that same award. This was just the beginning of Dexter’s musical accomplishments.
Throughout high school and into college, Dexter continued to play the flute, earning recognition as first chair Flutist throughout her academic years. At Grambling State University, she expanded her musical horizons by performing in various ensembles, including the jazz band, symphonic band, and orchestra. She also played the violin for a brief period, adding another string to her already impressive musical repertoire. Dexter majored in music education, laying the foundation for her future work as a teacher and mentor to young musicians. After graduating, Dexter moved to Dallas, Texas, where she lived for fifteen years. Despite her time away, she never lost her connection to Columbia, and eventually returned to her hometown, where she continues to be a source of inspiration and leadership in the community.
One of Dexter’s most significant contributions to her community has been her work with youth. In 1988, she founded the Caldwell Community Youth Choir, a testament to her passion for working with young people and fostering their musical talents. She loves working with youth because they are eager to learn, and she finds great joy in seeing young people come together to praise God with their voices. Dexter is in the process of recreating the choir, but this time with a broader vision. She plans to rename it the Caldwell Parish Community Youth and Young Adult Choir to make it inclusive of everyone in the parish, not just those in the Columbia area. Dexter is determined to break down the barriers that divide the community, regardless of race or background, and create a space where everyone is welcome. Her goal is to unite the community through music, helping people to look beyond their differences and work together to bring something positive to Caldwell Parish.
Dexter is a firm believer in the power of faith and action. She often says, “Faith without works is dead,” emphasizing that while faith is essential, it is the work you put in that brings your dreams to life. Dexter has lived by this principle throughout her life, always taking proactive steps to achieve her goals and inspire others to do the same. She encourages others to step out in faith and pursue their dreams with determination, saying that simply wishing for success will not make it happen. Dexter believes that music has the power to transform lives, providing both a source of joy and a means of sustaining oneself through the challenges of life. She reflects on her own journey, saying that music has taken her far and continues to be the driving force in her life. From the age of six, when she first began her musical journey, to today, Dexter remains committed to the path that God instilled in her. She continues to walk that walk with passion, faith, and a desire to make a positive impact on the world around her
