Dorothy Jean (Hoisington) Dickerson, 88 years old, Albion, Michigan, passed away at her home Sunday, July 25, 2021, surrounded by family. Dorothy was born August 18, 1932, in Niles, Michigan, to Paul W. and Hattie (Corey) Hoisington.
Dorothy’s greatest sources of joy were her family and her community. She took great pleasure in the variety of personalities she met in each, and reveled in the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was active in the community, avidly following local businesses, politics and activities. The day before she passed, she asked one of her visitors about the results of a recent precinct meeting!
Dorothy graduated from Albion College with a teaching certificate (her grandmother and great grandfather were also teachers). While she didn’t become a full-time teacher, she was a regular and requested substitute teacher in Albion Schools for many years. During her college years, she was president of Dean Hall, an indication of her natural leadership and managerial skills. It was at Albion College that she met her future husband, Gar Dickerson.
In 1967, Dorothy and Gar moved their family of eight children to a small farm north of Albion and began farming and gardening organically. She loved gardening and tending the animals. Most of their family’s food needs came from the farm. Her family enjoyed her cooking, especially her famous rolls at Thanksgiving. Throughout her life, she enjoyed embroidering and reading. After retirement, she enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles, happily sharing them with anyone who wanted to join her.
Dorothy was a central part of the Albion community. She was a regular behind the counter at Dickerson Music Company for many years before she took over what became Books and More at the young age of 70. Sharing wisdom and laughs along with the books and coffee, she enjoyed the camaraderie with her customers until she was 85. Some of her customers became treasured friends, joining other friends who added so much to her retirement.
Dorothy’s mental sharpness and personal skills allowed her to wear many ‘hats’ throughout her life: wife, mother, teacher, retail store clerk, township clerk (8 years, Sheridan Twp), small business owner, etc. She touched every area of her life with a joy and kindness that left a mark on anyone who knew her.
Dorothy is survived by all eight of her children: Greta (Mike) Reade, Valda (Doug) Gratias, Freya (Noboru) Saito, Gus (Janet), Emma (widow of John) Urban, Mayna (Dan) Haywood, Eric (Marianne), and Hilda (Keith) Kidder. She is also survived by a large loving family including 20 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, three nephews, and one niece. Her spouse (Gar Dickerson), parents, sister (Pauline Williamson), in-laws, a niece, three nephews, and two great-granddaughters preceded her in death.
Celebrate the Life of Mrs. Dorothy Dickerson on Saturday, September 25, at 2:00pm at the Victory Park Pavilion. Special music renditions will begin at 1:30pm by her good friend, Ronnie Sims. We request everyone to wear a mask. Dorothy believed in supporting her community with charitable donations, so memorial gifts to your favorite Albion charity would be a fitting tribute.
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