Barbara Dickerson

Barbara Dickerson Born October 2, 1923 in Birmingham, Michigan passed away April 18, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona. Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Walter Dickerson. Survived by children, Brian (Diane) Dickerson, Bruce (Fatima) Dickerson, Debbie (Mike) Redding, Gail (Dale) Marthaler and Carol (Matt) Baranowski; grandchildren, Meredith (Redding) Urakawa, Barrett Marthaler, Trish (Redding) Abeyta, Monica (Marthaler) Elsten, Paula Dickerson, Grace Baranowski and Allison Baranowski; great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Hope, Kaya and Suri Abeyta, Meaghan and Kazuao Urakawa, Alexzander Darton and Dylan Elsten; brothers, Walter (Barbara) Allison Jr. and Charles (Dorothy) Allison and sisters, Joan (Dean) Copeland and Roberta McDonald. Born and raised in Michigan, Barbara was active in Mariners and Girl Scouts growing up. She started teaching Sunday School in High School and that carried through most of her adult life. She was a devoted mother, active as a Den Mother in Boy Scouts and Troop Leader in Girl Scouts. She moved to Tucson with her husband and four of their children in 1963. They quickly joined Christ Presbyterian Church and were long time members. Among other things, Barbara served as an ordained Deacon. In 1967 Barbara started the Children's World Day of Prayer event in Tucson. She was surprised when they moved from Michigan that this event did not exist here. During the time she was organizing the project it grew from 40 churches to 600 churches participating. Barbara retired from the Planning Department of the City of Tucson in 1995. She had a 14-year journey with Bi-Pass Dementia with 6½ of those years being in hospice. She fought to the end but will be remembered by all who knew her for her constant smile. She will be missed by all those fortunate enough to have known her. A Memorial Service will be held Friday April 29, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Presbyterian Church. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Christ Presbyterian Church for the Youth Scholarship Fund, 6565 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85710. Arrangements by DESERT SUNSET FUNERAL HOME.