Violet "Vi" M. Dickson

Born February 8, 1926, in Cosby, MO, to Harry and Anna “Nelle” (Sommer) Hegeman, Vi attended high school in Savannah and college in St. Joseph. She married Charles Ray Dickson on July 1, 1944, in Belvoir, NJ. They moved to Springfield, IL in 1960.

An active and enthusiastic member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Vi was employed as its secretary for 23 years. Vi found great joy in her many friends and in serving others. She delivered meals on wheels, visited Hospice patients, ushered at University of Illinois-Springfield events, joined Carillon Bells, and served many years as an election judge. Known for her sincere warmth, interest in others, her bright smile and positive disposition, Vi was a treasured friend to many and a reservoir of love and acceptance to her family.

In addition to her parents, Vi was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her daughter, Charlene “Happy” Baird; brother, Donald Hegeman; and sister, Virginia Hegeman.

She is survived by her daughter, Diane Stocker (Carl) of Greenville, SC; son, Charles “Chuck” Dickson Jr. (Wendy) of Highland Park; six grandchildren, Andrew Stocker, Megan Headley, Sarah Swanson (Jeff), Dane Baird, Caitlin Dickson, Jordyn Slade (Parker); four great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial Ceremony: 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Concordia Village Chapel, 4101 W. Iles Ave., Springfield, IL 62711.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational United Church of Christ, 2100 Bates Ave., Springfield, IL 62704, or Concordia Scholarship Fund, 4101 W. Iles Ave., Springfield, IL 62711.

The family is being served by Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 S. Grand Ave. West, Springfield.