Mrs. Virginia Dickerson Wade

Margaret Virginia Dickerson Wade was born March 29, 1922, in Mason, Fayette County, Tennessee. The daughter of John and Ida Mae Chandler Dickerson. She departed this life on Monday, April 24, 2023, at the age of 101 years young. She was a legend within her own right. In 1948, Virginia married the late Travis Wade, Sr. and to this union six children were born. She was educated in the Crockett County School System, attending Bells Elementary School, Central High School and graduating from Lane College. Virginia began her career in education and became the first African American principal at Friendship Elementary School in Friendship, Tennessee. She was hand-picked by the Superintendent of Schools to serve as a kindergarten teacher at Alamo High School and worked there until retirement. Her strength and perseverance are only minor attributes as we describe her legacy. She was admired and respected by many in the community and was loved by all in her family. Virginia professed her life in Christ at an early age. She attended St. Luke Church of God in Christ for her entire life. Virginia never met a stranger. She enjoyed conversation and activities at the Crockett County Senior Center. As a personal flair, Virginia made sure to sign her name on all of her personal effects. Some of her most joyous moments were spent at the annual Dickerson, Chandler, Freeman family reunion, the Wade Camporee, Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners, 4th of July fireworks, and daily recordings of Bishop G.E. Patterson. Given her many talents, she renamed her home “The House of Knowledge.” She was preceded in death by her husband, Travis Wade, Sr., sons Floyd T. Wade and Howard Powell, son-in-law Earl M. Shaw, Jr., parents John and Ida Dickerson. Sister, Jessie (L.F.) Simmons; brother Eddie (Edith) Dickerson; sister Ruby (Elbert) Reams; brother Floyd (Jessie) Dickerson; brother Eugene (Martha) Dickerson; sister Ora (James) Macklin; brother Chester (Beatrice) Dickerson; and brother-in-law John Wyatt. Those who remain to honor her legacy are, Dr. Jo Ann (Fred) Sumrall; Travis, Jr. (Gail) Wade; Beverly Shaw; Wendell (Pam) Wade; Mendel (Lisa) Wade; brother Larence (Countess) Dickerson; sister Annie Wyatt; Brother-in-law M.D. (Mae) Wade, Jr.; sister-in-law Joyce (Murlyn) Cole; daughter-in-law Jo Anne Powell. Grandchildren, Monica (Ashley) Thomas; Ronald Sumrall; Marcia (James) Hodges; Damian Wade; Tameka (Leonard) Lucas; Dion (Shadairea) Wade; Tiffany Wade; Ashley (Eddie) Febres; Trista Wade; Amber Shaw, Earl M. Shaw, III.; Chandler Shaw; Stewart Wade; Annette Powell Moore, and Carmen Powell Carter. Great-Grandchildren Sterling Carter; Daimone Golden; Xavier Chatman; Monte and Mensha Wade; Ari Thomas; Joauna Carter, Lauren Thomas; Bradford Hodges; Landon Lucas; Zaneria Wade; Taylor Hodges; Daniel Shaw Moore,Lanah Lucas; Dallas Wade; Matthias Wade and Naomi Febres. The heights of Virginia’s life were rooted in her faith, family, and farm. Her artistic talents were beautiful; painting, sewing, crocheting, quilting, beading bracelets, gardening, playing the piano, and canning seasonal foods. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Mrs. Virginia Dickerson Wade

March 29, 1922 - April 24, 2023