Carrie Dickey

We gather here today to honor and remember the life of our beloved Carrie Jones Dickey, a beacon of love and strength in our family. Born on April 17, 1936, in Florence County, South Carolina, to the loving Jimmy and Irie Jones, Carrie embodied a spirit of resilience and compassion from her earliest days. Carrie’s academic journey, rooted in the Florence County Public School system, culminated in her graduation from Timmonsville High School in 1955. It was not long after completing her education that Carrie’s heart was won by Nathaniel Dickey. Their cherished union, beginning in 1957, blessed them with four wonderful children: Barbara, affectionately known as Cookie, Nathaniel Jr., Clinton, and Darrel Sr.. In pursuit of a brighter future, Carrie and Nathaniel ventured north to the Washington DC Metropolitan area during the turbulent times of the Jim Crow South. This bold move was driven by their shared commitment to securing enhanced opportunities for their children. Carrie's self-determination led her to reshape her career in the 1960s, dedicating herself to the field of healthcare. Through perseverance and relentless study, she became a certified nurse assistant, a role she served with empathy and professionalism for over five decades. Spirituality played a central role in Carrie's life. Her deep faith was rekindled through her engagement with her Christian heritage, a precious gift from her parents. Carrie devoted herself anew to Christ and became a cherished member of the First Baptist Church of Highland Park, where she worshipped for more than twenty years. Upon retiring, Carrie returned to her roots in Timmonsville, joining Bethlehem Baptist Church and immersing herself once again in her community. Known for her boundless love, Carrie was not only a cherished mother and grandmother but also a maternal figure to many. Her home was a haven of hospitality, a place where warmth and care were abundant, and her legendary banana pudding was a highlight of many gatherings. Lord have mercy. Carrie’s passion extended beyond her kitchen; she was also an avid gardener, her hands as skilled with plants as they were with a mixing bowl. Her humor, bravery, kindness, and positivity were the hallmarks of her character, touching everyone she met. As we celebrate Carrie’s life, we hold dear her memory and legacy. Survived by her children, Nathaniel (A Jr.(Andrea), Clinton; her adoring grandchildren, Nikita, Tyrone (Christine), Tameka, Keyona, Shenita, Abdul, Sharda, Sharnice, Clinton Jr., Brandon, Nathaniel III, Darrell Jr., Sasha, Briana, Trenton; and 21 great-grandchildren, as well as her siblings Angilue McNeil, Mary White, Moise Hall, Barbara Bell (George), and her in-laws; Eulillian Jones, and Elease McKnight. Carrie was preceded in death by Nathaniel Dickey Sr., Barbara Dickey Cooper, Darrell Dickey Sr., and her siblings Johnnie James, Lois McDowell, Robert Jones, Lil McKithen, Irolene Hassell, Jimmie Jones Jr., and Jonathan Jones Sr. Today, as we reflect on her life, let us embrace the lessons of love, resilience, and faith she taught us. Let us continue to feel her presence in the beauty of a garden, the joy of a well-cooked meal, and the laughter of children. Carrie’s legacy is a tapestry of love and memories that will forever enrich our lives.

Carrie Dickey

April 12, 2024