Obituary of Nellie Mae Dickey

Nellie Mae Wilson Dickey, 95, of Columbia, passed away on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. Born in Palatka, FL, she was the daughter of the late Ozzie Hampton and Stella Ruby Wilson, and the wife of 69 years to the late William Ward Dickey. Nellie was a longtime member of First Assembly of God Church in Camden. Raised in a loving household by a devout Christian mother, Nellie accepted Christ at a young age. Her faith and devotion to her church were always important to her. Nellie always held firm to her beliefs, and she loved everyone, regardless of where they were on their life’s journey. She was also an excellent homemaker, often cooking large meals and feeding anyone who happened to stop in. She had a green thumb and could make anything grow. She loved to garden, and her and her husband were well-known for their tomatoes and flowers. She was kind, resilient, mischievous, witty, and tenacious, with an incredible sense of humor. She had a heart for people and for animals, especially her dog, Princess. Nellie enjoyed spending time with her family, and always loved their vacations to the mountains. She had an infectious laugh; and seeing her was always the bright spot in everyone’s day. Nellie was supportive and faithful, and she always led by example. She shined with a special light that burned brighter and longer than most. Her family and friends will continue to bask in that light through the memories and laughter that she leaves behind.

Nellie is survived by her children, Deloris Joyner, Linda Meeks, Robert Dickey (Karen), and Sonya Dickey; grandchildren, Donnie Joyner, Dan Joyner, Denise Miles, Debbie Anderson, David Joyner, Matthew Meeks, Melissa Varick, Whitney Law, Kyle Dickey, Paige Dickey, and Courtney Handley; siblings, Mary Moore and Martha Jones; daughters-in-law, Sandra Clyburn Dickey and Melody Dickey; as well as nineteen great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Nellie was preceded in death by her sons, William Dickey and Richard Dickey; siblings, James O. Wilson, Cleveland Wilson, Gertrude Slater, and Woodrum Wilson; sons-in-law, Donnie Joyner and Preston Meeks; her daughter-in-law, Beth Obruba; and brothers-in-law, Dale Jones and Lewis Moore.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00pm on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at Powers Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Bruce Marthers and Rev. Derrick Proctor. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service, beginning at 2:00pm. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Emmanuel Baptist Church Cemetery, Camden.