Mary Margaret (Hoefler) Dickson

Mary was born in Atlanta, Ga. to the late William John Hoefler and Lillian Hope Hoefler. She was reared in the historic West End with her four sisters. Mary graduated from Joseph E. Brown High School. She chose nursing as her profession. Mary graduated from Crawford Long School of Nursing in 1968 and became a Registered Nurse.

After graduation, Mary joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. She worked at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C. Then Mary volunteered for duty in Vietnam and served for one tour of duty as a MASH nurse. Mary was promoted to 1st Lt. She was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Following her return from Vietnam, Mary worked in Psychiatric Nursing, worked assisting people addicted to heroin, and finally worked at Northside Hospital in Atlanta until her retirement.

Mary married Dr. Robert W. Dickson of Atlanta. They were married for twenty-five years, until Dr. Dickson’s death from dementia.

Mary enjoyed sharing time with her family. Her sense of joy and humor are fondly remembered by all. Mary loved art, classical music, animals, sewing, and gardening. Mary loved to help those less fortunate than herself. She worked tirelessly with canine rescue. Mary adopted many older and frail dogs, to give them the love and attention they deserved. Her last two dogs are King Arthur and Guinivere.

As her father and husband experienced, Mary was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, which progressed until her death. She passed away at The Abbey Hospice in Social Circle, Ga. The family would like to thank the staff at The Abbey Hospice for their love, care, and professionalism during her final three months of life.

The family would also like to thank the Southeast Corgi Rescue team for their work and assistance.

Mary leaves behind her sisters Hope Hoefler (Henry) of Douglasville, Sharon Jones of Douglasville, and Deborah Schulz (Thomas) of Snellville. She was preceded in death by her sister Nyra Morgan.

A Memorial service will be held at Floral Hills Memory Gardens, located at 3150 Lawrenceville Hwy, Tucker, Ga. 30084, on December 9, 2022 at 12:30 pm. Reverend Jim Ross will officiate. All are welcome. A reception will follow the service at 3288 Chinaberry Lane, Snellville, Ga. 30039.

The family would appreciate donations to The Alzheimer’s Association in Mary’s honor.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.floralhillsfuneral.com for the Dickson family.