Patricia Allen Dickens

Patricia Allen Dickens (87) passed away peacefully on June 21, in Sharpsburg, Georgia. Beloved, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, we will forever cherish her love, strength, unwavering support, and grace.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1938 to Delmar Forrest Allen and Helen Ream Allen, Patricia spent her early years in Richmond and Des Moines, Iowa. Married in 1960 to the late Charles (Charley) E. Dickens (1938-2022), Patricia travelled with him across the country and abroad as an Air Force spouse, later transitioning to civilian life with him in Derry, New Hampshire, Lynchburg, Virginia, Indianapolis, Indiana and Midlothian, Virginia, where they retired in 2008. In 2018, Charley and Patricia made their final move together to Saint Petersburg, Florida to enjoy their golden years in the sun. After Charley’s passing, Patricia continued to deepen her own roots in Florida until late 2024, when she moved to Sharpsburg, Georgia to be closer to family.

Patricia completed undergraduate studies at the College of William & Mary and later earned her Educational Doctorate at the University of Virginia. A lifelong educator, Patricia practiced as an elementary and middle school teacher, and as a college instructor. Her passion for learning and her dedication to students left a lasting impact on countless lives.

Above and beyond her many experiences and achievements, Patricia lived as a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, with her life grounded in Christian values that guided her personal and professional paths. She was an active member of her church communities, teaching Sunday school, leading women’s Bible studies, travelling on and providing support for foreign missions, and offering compassionate mentorship to many in need. Her devotion to her faith was evident in the kindness and grace she extended to all.

Patricia is survived by her sons Charles (Lesa) of West Melbourne, Florida, James (Beth) of Tyrone, Georgia, and Christopher (Anita) of Midlothian, Virginia); seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many life-long friends, all of whom will deeply will miss her kind heart and wisdom. and her spirited presence.

On 29 June 2025, friends and family joined together to memorialize Patricia at her former home in Saint Petersburg, Florida by the planting of a Key Lime tree. The assembled party reflected on the things that Patricia loved most including flowers, birds, beaches, sunsets, friends, family and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The tree was dedicated in prayer as a living reminder of her warmth, beauty, and fruitfulness.

At Patricia’s request, she will be interred together with her beloved Charley in a private ceremony at a future date at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a gift in her memory to one of her two most-recent church homes: Pinellas Community Church at https://www.pinellaschurch.com/give/; or Swift Creek Baptist Church at https://onrealm.org/SwiftCreekBaptist/-/form/give/now.