Susan Iris Dickerson

Susan “Susie” Iris Dickerson was born on April 22, 1963, on the north side of Chicago and she passed away peacefully with family and her cat Tony on February 28, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Susie is a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose life was defined by generosity, humor, resilience, and a deep commitment to others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Jeanette Evans, her beloved husband Garfield “Dick” Dickerson Jr., and her oldest son, Brandon Scott Sr. Though she carried profound loss, she continued to live with strength, finding her way back to joy, laughter, and connection.

Susie is survived by her sons, Matthew Jonathan Sr. and Joshua Alexander, all three of her boys were the center of her world. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Kaylah Marie, Aiden Scott, Mi’Kylah Jeanette, Brandon Scott Jr., Matthew Jonathan Jr., and Carl Scott, who brought her immense pride and happiness. She is also survived by her sister Arlene Whitnier, affectionately known as Ister, her niece Laurie Johnson, her grandniece Sarah Mozelle Johnson, and her grandnephew Dean Isaiah Johnson.

Susie was known for her kind heart, strong spirit, and unwavering belief in giving people another chance. She spent over 22 years as an independent agent with the Chicago Tribune, where her entrepreneurial mindset allowed her not only to build for herself but to open doors for others. In Country Club Hills, she became a familiar and respected presence, always willing to help, encourage, and uplift those around her. Giving back was not something she scheduled. It was simply who she was.

She attended Henry School for primary school, Peterson School for middle school, and later graduated from Von Steuben High School in Chicago. She later earned an Associate’s Degree in Business from Prairie State College in the south Chicago suburbs. From an early age, she carried the independence, humor, and warmth that would define her life.

Susie found joy in both the simple and meaningful moments of life. She loved traveling, taking road trips, shopping, enjoying fine dining, and discovering new places and perspectives. At home, she cherished long conversations about life, purpose, and dreams, and those conversations were often filled with laughter. She was a passionate debater who stood firmly on her morals and values. She loved music, especially “rock”, The Rolling Stones, and Prince, and she could always connect the perfect song to a memory.

She had a playful and vibrant personality. She loved her favorite comforts, from Greek yogurt and Gold Peak lemonade to lifesaver mints and her Jo Malone fragrances. She enjoyed watching shows like I Love Lucy, Seinfeld, and Little Women of LA, taking naps, coloring, reading, and hosting gatherings that brought people together.

One of her most memorable traits was the way she loved her cats. She spoke to them as if they were people, often calling out “Boys, I’m home” when she walked through the door. Many times, you could hear her talking in another room and think she was on the phone, only to realize she was having a full conversation with them. It was one of the many small, joyful things that made her unforgettable.

Susie had a gift for connecting with people. She gave some of the best advice during the hardest times, always listening with patience, empathy, and honesty. Even when she had not experienced something herself, she made people feel understood. She often left thoughtful voicemails filled with encouragement, knowing those messages would be held onto and replayed when needed most.

Her kindness extended beyond her immediate circle. She never ignored someone in need. If she saw someone hungry, she gave what she had without hesitation. In one moment that reflects her spirit, she gave her sandwich to a man on the street. When he thanked her, she simply responded, it’s yours. That was who she was.

Susie lived by her own words, often saying “I’m a lover, not a fighter,” and, with her trademark humor and honesty, “People suck, nothing you can do about that.” These phrases captured both her wit and her deep understanding of life. She believed in love, patience, and growth, even when life was difficult. Loyalty came naturally to her, and she never gave up on her sons or on her husband, Dick.

In her final chapter, Susie spent her time in Washington, DC, supporting her family and traveling. She was proud to be present as her son continued his academic journey at Howard University, HU You Know!, and as her grandson prepared to graduate from high school and navigate the early steps of adulthood. Being there for those milestones meant everything to her. Even while her health was fragile, she still found the energy and heart to volunteer with the Washington, D.C. based organization So Kids SOAR.

Above all, Susie believed in family, perseverance, and compassion. She loved deeply, laughed freely, and protected those she cared about without hesitation. She made people feel seen, heard, and valued, and her presence brought comfort and strength to many.

Though her passing leaves a deep absence, her spirit lives on through the lessons she shared, the love she gave, and the lives she touched. Her legacy of kindness, resilience, and second chances will continue through her children, grandchildren, and all who knew her.

A celebration of life honoring Susie will be held in Chicago at A Just Harvest located at 7637 North Paulina St. 12:30 p.m to 5 p.m.

To continue Susie’s legacy of kindness and giving, contributions may be made directly to A Just Harvest in her honor.

https://ajustharvest.org/give-to-a-just-harvest/donate/

The family asks that those who knew her continue her legacy by showing kindness, offering grace, and always believing in the power of a second chance.