Margaret Odeal Nauert Dickens

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend Margaret Odeal Nauert Dickens, age 92, of Austin, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2016. She was born on May 4, 1924 to William and Selma (Wieland) Nauert in Dessau, Texas.

Margaret was predeceased in death by her father and mother, her husband who was the love of her life, Lewis E. "Babe" Dickens, Sr., son Lewis E. 'Bubba' Dickens, Jr., and grandson William 'Derek' Culberson III, along with older sisters and brothers Alma Caroline Nauert Ray Heep, Elsa Emma Nauert Rundberg Holder, Emery William Nauert, Werner Carl Nauert, and Selma Irma Nauert Milligan. She was also predeceased in death by her husband's siblings Samuel Dickens, Eugene (Hootie) Dickens, and Josephine Dickens Newburn.

She is survived by daughters Linda Kay Carr of Austin, Diana Culberson and husband Billy of Lago Vista, Mary Jackson and husband Bobby Naivar of Austin, grandchildren Stephanie Gallegos and husband Andy of Leander, Garey Wayne Jackson and wife Emily of Georgetown, great-grandchildren Mackenzie Culberson of Cleburne, Moira and Nathan Gallegos of Leander, and Lillian and Garrett Jackson of Georgetown. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

She grew up in Dessau across the road from the historic Dessau Lutheran Church and Cemetery. She graduated from Pflugerville High School in 1941, which was the last class to graduate after completing 11 years of school. She was the last surviving granddaughter of Martin and Carlina Wieland, original settlers of Dessau, Texas from Dessau, Germany in the 1850's.

She worked for the Selective Service and Telephone Company before marrying Dad on November 23, 1946 at the Shelton Chapel of the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She was the only daughter that her father walked down the aisle and he was so proud of this event. They celebrated 60 years of marriage before Dad passed away on August 28, 2007.

Mom and Dad had a variety of adventures throughout their life together. Dad was in business with his brother Hootie with the Whitey Didy Diaper Service and Dickens Cleaners. Later Mom and Dad operated the Deep Eddy Cleaners. Dad was employed with the United States Postal Service from 1965 until 1993 and retired to their front porch and back yard of their home. During those years Mom worked along side him as well as being an accomplished seamtress for her family and many that were on the receiving end of her talents, especially her special craft pieces. Most of all, she was a homemaker, which included her world famous BBQ brisket that would put Salt Lick and Franklin's to shame. She was also a great historian of her German heritage and provided invaluable assistance in the designation of the Dessau Lutheran Church and Cemetery as a Texas Historical designation. She will be greatly missed by all that loved and knew her.

The family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to all of the doctors and other caregivers for their wonderful and special treatment for Mom during her illnesses. We especially want to thank Dr. Carlos Rubin De Celis and staff, Dr. Richard Bryarly and staff, Dr. Gwendolyn Miller and staff, the most caring doctors, nurses, and staff at St. David's Medical Center, 901 E. 32nd Street, 4 West Wing, Kindred at Home Hospice, and the caretakers at Pavilion at Great Hills.

The family will receive visitors from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on September 25, 2016 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on September 26, 2016 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home with Pastor Michael Coffey officiating and interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park beside her husband, son, and grandson. Pallbearers are Billy Culberson, Bobby Naivar, Garey Wayne Jackson, Andy Gallegos, Terry Milligan, and Johnny Newburn. Honorary Pallbearers are Dixie Hills Gilley, Stephanie Schuster, Peter Dickens, Anthony Escarzaga, Ray Canfield, Steve Wolff, and Bobby Pollard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dessau Lutheran Cemetery Association, c/o Mary Jackson, 11408 Chancellroy Dr., Austin, Texas 78759, First English Lutheran Church, 3001 Whitis Ave., Austin, Texas 78705, or the charity of your choice.