Nelda Kay Camp Dickerson

Funeral services for Nelda Kay Camp Dickerson, 85, of Lufkin will be held Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Steve Cowart officiating. Graveside services will be held Monday, January 22, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the Oak Grove Cemetery in San Augustine County.

Mrs. Dickerson was born April 21, 1932 in Dossville, Mississippi to the late Sis (Scott) and Carson Camp, and died Wednesday, January 17, 2018 in a local hospital.

Daughter, sister, wife, aunt, mother, grandmother, friend. Regardless of how we addressed her she was special to us in so many ways. It took courage to obtain a high school diploma as a grandmother and dedication to earn the right to walk the stage as a college graduate at Stephen F. Austin State University nearing the age of 60.

As an outgoing woman of passion, it didn’t take long to hear about her love for Christ her Savior, her love for family, or her obsession with art. “Anyone can draw”, she would say, “all it takes is the want-to and practice!” This was Nelda’s approach to living nearly 86 years. If something interested Nelda, she would find a way to make it happen, and if it had to be done she would just do it!

When helping her husband build their own home and the roof needed shingles, it was “pass that hammer up here” and when the pianist was out sick at church she stepped up and played a nice rendition of several old Southern Gospels to the surprise and delight of the congregation.

Whether her latest project was learning to paint a portrait, sculpt a statue, cook a new dish, start a business, organize a fund raiser, or manage her dialysis at home, she often surprised those who knew her with tremendous strength, hidden talents, and relentless drive.

Having grown up in an era where day to day living required the practice of “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without”, Nelda was frugal in her needs while being generous with her time.

Many who read this will have their own fond memories of joining Nelda in canning peas, cooking a meal, painting a still life, discussing theology, sewing a dress, or being helped with homework. After all, making memories was Nelda’s specialty and while she will always be missed, those of us lucky enough to have known her, love her, and be loved by her have so many memories that our cup truly does run over.

Survivors include her daughter, Joan Bell and husband Wayne; son, Rex Dickerson and wife Bobbe; grandsons, Wayne Lindsey Bell, Craig Bell and wife Casey, and Zachary Dickerson; granddaughter, Bethany Dickerson Williams and husband Reverend Tommy Williams; great-grandchildren, Payton, Kayleigh, Kendra, Addie, Samuel, Mallory, and Andrew; sisters, Dorothy Schroeder, Janie Kelley, Pat Doyal and husband John; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 50 years, W.L. Dickerson; and sisters, Betty Mae Lange and Mattye Faye Dickerson.

Pallbearers will be her family and friends.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.