Susan Daniel Dickerson

Susan was born December 31,1943, in Oxford, NC, to Margaret Frazier Daniel and Paul Nicholson Daniel. She left her hometown to attend Louisburg College. Susan married her high school sweetheart Bill Dickerson and they moved from NC to attend the University of Missouri. There she earned a bachelor’s in education. While living in Columbia, MO, the couple had two daughters, Beth, and Julie. Bill’s work brought them back to NC in 1976.

Susan was a passionate educator and spent over 30 years in the classroom, the majority of which were spent teaching 4th grade at Stough Elementary in Raleigh, NC. After retirement she continued advocating for the teaching profession as a dedicated member of the Gamma Iota chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. Supporting beginning teachers was a particular passion.

Her faith guided her life. She was a lifelong Methodist, raised at Oxford United Methodist Church. She was a member of Edenton Street United Methodist in Raleigh, NC for the last 47 years. She and Bill taught Sunday school for over 30 years. She served as a Lay Shepherd, volunteered at Camp Shalom, and guided the Grief Group. She remained an active church member until the very end, attending Foundry Fellowship class and serving as a Prayer Partner coordinator even while in the hospital.

Susan was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was the ultimate caregiver and peacemaker. Susan had a passion for reading and loved discussing and gifting books. She would often read whatever books her grandchildren were reading so they could discuss the books together. She enjoyed sending notes of encouragement and everybody on her Christmas card list often received a personal, handwritten letter.

In her free time, Susan enjoyed working crossword puzzles, collecting spinning tops and unique toys, flying kites, listening to music, catching up with loved ones, and supporting her grandchildren's activities. Her positive attitude and ability to find the good in all people were remarkable, even in the toughest of situations.

Family and friends were always a priority. She cherished time spent with her beloved retired teacher friend group, affectionately called the SIPS, as well as with other colleagues. Susan treasured time spent with family and friends at Kerr Lake and Emerald Isle, NC flying kites, spotting wildlife, reading on the porch and playing in the sand with children and later, grandchildren.

Susan is survived by her husband of 59 years, Willard Addison "Bill" Dickerson, Jr.; daughters, Sarah Elizabeth "Beth" Dickerson Bowers and husband William Blaine Bowers III; Julie Dickerson Edwards and husband Neil Cameron Britt; her grandsons, Henry Addison Edwards, William Daniel Bowers, and Neil McLean Britt; sister, Paula Daniel Glover and husband Frank McClellan Glover; nephews, Alan Scott Glover and wife Penny Overton Glover, David Franklin Glover and wife Kelly Ann Wheeler Glover, and Gregory Franklin Abbott and wife Michelle Hoffman Abbott; nieces, Hannah Kathleen Glover, Kelley Gardner Thompson and husband Michael Thompson, and Melissa "Joy" Abbott Trogdon and husband Bryan Lee Trogdon; honorary grandchildren, Anna Feagans Solt and Benjamin Samuel Feagans; honorary great-grandson, Colter Elliott Solt. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Madge Daniel Gardner and son-in-law, Jonathan Hall Edwards.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Susan's memory to the following organizations:

Her local Delta Kappa Gamma Chapter, Gamma Iota’s Beginning Teacher Grant. Payment options: PayPal ([email protected]) or Venmo (@Lucy-Kay-1) What’s this for line: Susan Dickerson Memorial, or checks written to Gamma Iota, memo line: Susan Dickerson Memorial, addressed to Lucy Kay at 1221 Pineview Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606. Also, Friends of Residents in Long Term Care (F.O.R.) donations can be made online at https://forltc.networkforgood.com/ or by mailing a check to Friends of Residents in Long Term Care, 514 Daniels Street, #205, Raleigh, NC 27605.

A memorial service to celebrate Susan's life will be held on Sunday, November 19th, at 2 PM at Edenton Street United Methodist Church, located at 228 W. Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC. Visitation will follow the service. The service will also be livestreamed.

The Brown-Wynne funeral home, located at 300 St. Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC 27605, is assisting the family with the arrangements.