Dr. Eugene E. Dickerson

Dr. Eugene Ellis Dickerson began his long journey into life on May 26, 1920.• He was the fifth child and third son of Mr. John and Mrs. Ida Chandler Dickerson. Being born in Bells, Crockett County, Tennessee, meant two things at that time: one, you were born on a farm; and two, you were born in the Bible Belt. Dr. Dickerson was the product of holiness upbringing only. The land on which the original and only holiness church in Bells, Tennessee was purchased in 1907 and the building was completed in 1912, was built by his grandfather the late Brother Daniel Chandler. Dr. Dickerson recounted that the church burned to the ground in 1934 when he was 14 years of age and he took pride in helping to rebuild it along with his father, uncles and brothers. Dr. Dickerson began preaching at the age of nine. He took on the yoke of Christ and wore it with pride until it became easy. He was educated in the Haywood and Crockett County, Tennessee school systems. He was taught by his own mother, a retired school teacher, and other great teachers who took pride in the accomplishments of their students. Dr. Dickerson was a military man, serving his country during World War II. He was stationed in the Philippines and New Guinea and served as Acting Military Chaplain. Upon his return he married Mrs. Martha L. Flagg "Sweet Doll" and they were the parents of one daughter, Mrs. Gloria J. Dickerson Rodgers. Dr. Dickerson organized the Dickerson Brothers Christian Alliance of America, Inc., The E. E. Dickerson Bible Institute, and was co-founder with Bishop C. C. Owens of the Emanuel Church Of God In Christ (Chicago, Illinois) while living there in 1956. Dr. Dickerson was an entrepreneur and business owner of the E. E. Dickerson Casket, Co. He retired from the United States Postal Service after more than thirty years of government service. Dr. Dickerson attended and graduated from Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, R. R. Wright, Jr., School of Religion, Universal Bible Institute, and Memphis Theological Seminary. He learned much and received earned Bachelors, Master and Doctorate degrees. Dr. Dickerson was born in Headquarters Jurisdiction Church Of God In Christ before it was named such. He was ordained an Elder and later appointed Pastor of New Chicago Church Of God In Christ by Bishop McEwen more than fifty years ago. He served on the Ordination Board of Headquarters Jurisdiction for more than twenty-nine years. Dr. Dickerson was well traveled having gone all over the United States, and abroad to Egypt, and the Holy Land at least twice, and being baptized in the Jordan River by the late Presiding Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr. Dr. Dickerson took pride in being able to "GO." Dr. Dickerson was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Dickerson; three sisters, Mrs. Jessie D. Simmons, Mrs. Ruby D. Reams and Mrs. Ora Jane D. Macklin; three brothers, Elder Eddie L. Dickerson, Elder Floyd Dickerson, and Superintendent Chester L. Dickerson; and most recently, his wife of sixty-six years, Mrs. Martha Louise Flagg Dickerson. After a well spent life that covered parts of two great centuries and after serving his generation with dignity and humility, Dr. Dickerson leaves to cherish his life and a personality that distinguished him from others, one daughter, Mother Gloria J. Dickerson Rodgers (Bishop Charles Rodgers); four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; three great, great-grandchildren; one brother, Mr. James (Countess) Dickerson; two sisters, Mrs. Virginia D. Wade and Mrs. Ann D. Wyatt; three sisters-in-law, Mother Elvie Owens, Mother Ida M. Porter, and Mother Lillie Jones; countless nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and the family of the Church Of God In Christ.

Dr. Eugene E. Dickerson

May 26, 1920 - March 27, 2013