Carol Ann Dickson

In 1954, her family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where her father established a business in pursuit of a better life for his family.

Carol graduated from Central High School and continued her education at Phoenix College and Northern Arizona University before earning her degree in elementary education from Arizona State University. Active and outgoing throughout her school

years, Carol was a member of the cheer team in both high school and college and participated in student government. She was also crowned Miss Pinnacle Peak and Miss Phoenix Rodeo Queen.

As a teenager, Carol enjoyed sewing her own dresses, riding horses, helping care for her siblings and spending time with her high school sweetheart, Clement Dickson. Carol and Clement later married and shared 49 wonderful years together.

Carol devoted 46 years to teaching elementary school children. An exceptional and beloved educator, she received the Arizona Lamp of Learning Award, the highest honor presented by the Washington Elementary School District.At Roadrunner Elementary School, Mrs. Dickson’s classroom was known for its treat jar, memorable school plays and joyful morning traditions. After reciting the Pledge of

Allegiance, her students often sang songs from Free to Be…You and Me. Through music and her teaching, Carol encouraged pride in our country, reminded every child that they were important and taught them that boys and girls alike could achieve anything they set their minds to. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom,

touching generations of students and families.

Carol will be deeply missed by her sisters, Marlene, Betty and Jennifer; her children, Lance Dickson and his wife, Kari, and Casey Dickson and her wife, Jessica; her grandchildren, Shelby, Luke, Cole, Jamie, Daniel, Christopher, Mathew and Ethan; and her great-granddaughters, Rhiannon, Sadie and June.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clement Dickson; her parents, Donald and Irene Melander; her brother, Jim Melander; and her sister, Diana Gano.

A graveside service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Phoenix Memorial Park, 200 West Beardsley Road in Phoenix, Arizona. Following the service, family and friends are invited to a reception at the family home. Directions will

be provided after the service.Memorial donations may be made in Carol’s name to Roadrunner Elementary School through the Washington Elementary School District.

Carol will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, treasured sister and gifted educator whose warmth, encouragement and belief in others made a lasting difference. Her love and lessons will live on in her family, her students and all

who were fortunate enough to know her.