Karen Dickey Obituary_Final

"I've learned that people will forget what you said...people will forget what you did...but people

will never forget how you made them feel."- D R . M A Y A A N G E L O U

KarenREMEMBERING

On Christmas Day in 1958, God blessed the late Herman and Clara Dickey with a precious gift – a beautiful bouncing baby girl named Karen. Her life was indeed a gift to her family and countless others for fifty-seven wonderful years. Although she was the sixth child born to this union, there was something noticeably special about her from the very beginning. She found joy in serving and helping others.

Karen received her high school education in the Memphis City Schools system, and graduated from Westwood High School. Her gift for music was evident at an early age as she excelled in both the study and performance of vocal music. After high school, she continued to do vocal performances and was always requested to sing the Gospel classic, “Be Grateful”. Being an individual of unlimited creativity, Karen went on to study interior decorating and cake design. Her desire to help and serve others led to a strong interest in nursing, and an opportunity to study at St. Joseph’s Nursing School. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Memphis in May of 2016.

For seventeen years, Karen worked as a Communication Training Offcer for the Memphis Police Department. In every aspect of her life, she used her gift of caring for others to provide loving care to her mother and so many others. In the early 1970’s, Karen confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and was baptized at Pleasant Green Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Daniel Bracy. She later enjoyed worship and fellowship with the loving family of Calvary Church of the Nazarene. She instilled her greatest qualities into her three daughters and lived to see them accomplish great things. She treasured her grandchildren, and loved her entire family immeasurably. She was the “chef” for many dishes that will always be family favorites. She was kind, nurturing, smart, and a woman of many gifts and talents. Our lovely gift will be most known for giving when she was exhausted, sheltering those who were in need, feeding those who were hungry, and for giving of herself in a selfless and loving way. On Monday, July 4, 2016, God granted our precious gift independence and called her from labor to reward.

To cherish her loving memory, she leaves three daughters whom she loved dearly: Mica Dickey, Chantel McKinney, and Angelita Steele; twelve siblings: Herman (Epifania) Dickey, Robin Dickey Wright, John (Katie) Dickey, David (Karen) Dickey, Dwayne (Nina) Dickey, Mark Dickey, Harold Dickey, Judy Dickey, Allen Dickey, Beverly Daniels, Verna Jean Sutton and Adrienne Morris Dickey; seven grandchildren: Joshua Gammon, Orlando Johnson, Orlandria Johnson, Lakyra Woods, Destiny Steele, Brandon Griffn, Daniel Steele, a special aunt, Dorothy Jones, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Celebration of LifeProcession. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Karen Dickey

Scripture & Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Presentation of Colors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Memphis Police Department

Musical Tribute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Etoye Harrington

Expressions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rose Scullark Cooper, ClassmateKathleen Graffenreed, Friend

Lt. Col. Queen McMahon, Co-worker

Musical Tribute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pavia Clark-Hall

Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tonia Dickey-Terrell

i Silent Reading of the Obituary i

Eulogy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor Ricky BellGreater Open Door Baptist Church

Recessional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Karen Dickey

At the family’s request, the remains will NOT be viewed following the eulogy.

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To Our MotherWords can’t express what you meant to us. Because of you, we grew up knowing what love was from the start. With every diffculty, trial, and challenge, you remained strong. You gave us your strength. You welcomed us with your smile. Your relentless patience in love is instilled in us forever.

We love you! Your memory will forever be with us!

Mica, Chantel, and Angelita

You Will Always BeKaren, you will always be in my heart.

Every day my heart beats for two...one for me, and one for you. Forever and a day, forever and always, you will be in my heart. One heart but now beating for two. I’ll carry you there for the rest of my life.

Inseparable we are because you will always be with me, one heart beating for two. When my heart stops beating, I will be reunited with you...but until then, little girl, it will be one for me and one for you.

Karen, you will always be...

Your Sister, Judy

AcknowledgmentTo us, Karen was a special gift, a rare and precious treasure. Her loving ways enriched our lives, and blessed us beyond measure. Although we’ll miss her awesome smile, her tender love and care, our hearts somehow find comfort through your presence, thoughts, and prayers.

The family of Karen Dickey expresses our sincere gratitude for the many acts of love that have been extended to us during this time. Special thanks to Pastor Lynn Holmes and the Calvary Church family and the Memphis Police Department. May God bless you as you have blessed us.

Active PallbearersMr. Herman Wilbourn Mr. Brian E. Wilbourn Detective Eric Jackson

Mr. David Leandre Dickey Mr. Marlowe Jones Offcer Lee Potts

Honorary PallbearersWestwood High Class of 1976 Memphis Police Department

IntermentMemphis Funeral Home and Memorial Garden

3700 N Germantown Parkway l Bartlett, TN 38133

Professional ServicesJoe Ford Funeral Home

1616 Winchester Road l Memphis, TN 38116 (901) 345-6075

Precious Memories Graphics & More l [email protected]“Karen Dickey...we will always love you!”