Ethelene Moreland Dickerson

Ethelene Moreland Dickerson, 97, formerly of Monticello, died January 5.

She was born January 25, 1915 to Mattie and Joseph Moreland. At a young age, she fell in love with and married William Holden Kelly. From their union, five children were born.

Mr. and Mrs. Kelly made Monticello their home for many years befoore moving their family, first to Pittsburgh, Pa., and then to Cleveland, Ohio, where employment opportunities were more plentiful for Mr. Kelly.

After spending many years in Cleveland, Mrs. Dickerson and her second husband, James Dickerson moved back to Monticello to care for several ailing family members, including her mother.

Known affectionaly around the neighborhood as Ms. Lene, she loved to cook, tend to her large and plentiful garden, read and travel.

She often gave no second thought to hopping on the Greyhound bus and visiting family and friends up North or out West at every opportunity she was afforded.

When she came for a visit, you could count on her bringing at least one suitcase filled with food that she would parlay into delectable meals through her entire visit. She was also certain to bring along several well-coordinated outfits, including at least one of her many stylish and chic Sunday church hats.

Mrs. Dickerson was an active member of Springfield Baptist Church where she dedicated her life to Christ at a young age and later became known as one of the mothers of the church.

Mrs. Dickerson lived happily in Monticello for many years until her health began to fail at which time her family decided it best that she move back to Cleveland so that she could receive more attention and support.

She lived several years with her oldest daughter and spent her last years and final precious moments on this Earth with her granddaughter and two of her great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Dickerson was preceded in death by her parents, and both husbands. Her oldest daughter, Mattie also preceded her in death.

Survivors include four children and their spouses, William and Lethia, Margaret and R.C., Joseph, and Jeannette; nine grandchildren, Tammora, Ingrid, Theodore, Joe Alan, Michelle, Bridgette, Crystal, Tori and Carmen; also 18 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

A service celebrating Mrs. Dickerson’s life was held Saturday, Jan. 12 at Springfield Baptist Church in Monticello. Interment was in South View Cemetery, Monticello. Rev. Jimmy Horton officiated.

Smith and Sons Funeral Home, 923 Funderburg Drive, Monticello, was in charge of arrangements.