Erma Lene Dickerson

Erma Lene Dickerson was the sixth child of eleven children born to the union of Dave Dickerson, Sr. and Willie Maggie Jones Dickerson on March 20, 1934, in Scott, Arkansas. She departed this life on September 12, 2024.

She was preceded in death by parents, Dave and Willie Dickerson, her son Paul Anthony Chapple, Sr. grandson Lamont Chapple, brothers Dave Dickerson, Jr., Robert Lee Dickerson, Jordan Dickerson, Major Dickerson, and her sisters Willie Mae Dickerson Allen, Katherine Dickerson, Ethelrene Dickerson Oliver, Loretta Dickerson Harris, Barbara Jean Dickerson Rawls, and Jewel Dickerson Porter. 

As a child Erma attended Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Scott, Arkansas. She professed her hope and faith in Christ and was baptized by Rev. Lawrence H. Evans.

Ms. Dickerson grew up in Scott, where she attended Mt. Moriah Elementary School. Erma was a proud graduate of Nelson High School Class of 1953. In high school, Erma was a talented basketball player and was a part of the Nelson High Girl's Basketball team. As a teenager, Erma and her sisters loved to dress up and travel to Little Rock. Throughout her life she continued to have an eye for fashion. In addition, she never met a stranger, and always had a desire to explore new places to live and travel to. One of her favorite places was visiting her baby sister, Jewel, in Brooklyn, New York, where she often visited.

In 1970, Erma moved to Chicago and lived for forty (40) years. In Chicago, she worked for Intercraft Service, which was a Home Health Agency. Erma was also active in the Democratic Party. She served as a political worker for Mayor Harold Washington and President Barack Obama. 

While in Chicago, Erma was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. However, through her faith in God and willingness to live, Erma survived cancer. God granted Erma over thirty additional cancer-free years of life.

When it was time to retire, Erma returned to Little Rock to help take care of her Father during his time of illness. Erma also became a "Foster Grandparent" for the North Little Rock HIPPY Program. She loved children and made each student feel special.

Erma joined Gaines Street Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. James T. Phillips and later Pastor J. Barington Minix, Sr., where she was a faithful member until her health failed. Erma loved her Gaines Street Family, especially Betty Williams. They made sure she was able to attend many church events, brunches, dinners, and fun social events.

Left to cherish her loving memories are a granddaughter Dejah Chapple, a grandson Paul Anthony Chapple, Jr., a brother-in-law Charles Oliver, a special niece Beverly Oliver Couch, and a special great-niece Oona Sonia Tucker. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren Qouivos Chapple and Denim Williams, a host of nieces, nephew, cousins, and friends.

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