Patricia Sue Dickens

Patricia Rinehart Dickens, age 87, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, in Dallas, Texas.

Born on November 4, 1938, in Nashville, Tennessee, Patricia was the daughter of Hardy Arthur Rinehart and Lillian Edgin Rinehart. She attended Isaac Litton High School before earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri and later a master’s degree in Educational Counseling.

Patricia devoted her life to guiding and uplifting others. Early in her career, she served as Director of Counseling for Vocational Counseling and Rehabilitation Services in St. Louis, Missouri. She later continued her work in student support as a Project Associate and Director of Special Needs Counseling at St. Louis Community College. When she and her family relocated to Natchez, Mississippi, she embraced her calling in education, serving as Guidance Counselor at Trinity Episcopal Day School and Adams County Christian School, where she touched the lives of countless young people with her compassion, patience, and quiet strength.

A dedicated professional, Patricia was active in both the Missouri and Mississippi Associations for Counseling and Development and in the American Counseling Association. She was a nationally board-certified counselor and a committed member of the ASCA and AMECD divisions, holding her work to the highest standards.

Patricia made her home in Natchez with her beloved husband, George, for more than thirty years. She cherished the community they shared and gave generously of her time and talents. She was involved in the Pilgrimage Garden Club and the Natchez Garden Club, worshipped at Trinity Episcopal Church, enjoyed fellowship with the Krewe of Phoenix, and supported organizations dear to her heart such as the Adams County Humane Society. Her civic interests included meaningful work within the Adams County Republican Party as well as active participation in the United States Tennis Association, the Mississippi USTA Ranking Committee, and the Mississippi Golf Association.

With characteristic grace, Patricia offered leadership to many organizations, including service on the Trinity Episcopal School Board, the Mississippi Community and Junior College Board, and the Mississippi Graduation Task Force. She also served as Chairman of the Adams County Republican Party and the Beau Pré Country Club Women’s Golf Association – roles she carried out with dedication, thoughtfulness, and a spirit of cooperation.

Above all, Patricia treasured her family, finding her greatest joy in the moments spent gathered around a table, celebrating milestones, or simply sharing conversation and laughter. She enjoyed playing golf and tennis throughout her life and took pride in serving as captain of numerous teams. Patricia embraced each season of life with a joyful spirit and a genuine interest in the people around her. She will be remembered for the love she shared with her family, friends, and community.

Patricia was preceded in death by her loving husband, George Marion Dickens, Sr.; her parents, Hardy Arthur Rinehart and Lillian Edgin Rinehart; her stepfather, Huel Moses Dixon; and her brother, Hugh Lloyd Rinehart.

She is survived by her son, George Marion Dickens, Jr. (Jill); her daughters, Elizabeth Dickens Luther (Stephen) and Laura Dickens Walsh (Bradley); her grandchildren, Caroline Dickens Wilbur (Max), Audrey St. Pierre Thomas (Blaine), Cole Augustus Greenfield, Kelly Greenfield Stephens (Adam), Judson Powell Luther (Connor), Allison Dickens Luther, Alexandra Main Newsom (Thomas), Isabelle Rinehart Walsh, and Augusta Dickens Walsh; and her great-grandchildren, George Stewart Wilbur IV, Charles William Wilbur, Amelia St. Pierre Wilbur, Olivia Grace Stephens, Richard Walker Thomas, Eloise St. Pierre Thomas, Winter Renee Luther, Waylon Sim Luther, Henry Walsh Newsom, and William Dickens Newsom.

She is also survived by her brother, Gerald Wayne Rinehart (Jean); her cousins, John Warren Dickens (Gynell), John Warren Dickens, Jr. (Brenda), and Derek Arnold Dickens (Martha); and eight nieces and nephews.

A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make online gifts in memory of Patricia Rinehart Dickens, to the American Cancer Society www.Cancer.org/donate or to the Dementia Society of America www.DementiaSociety.org/donate.