Gladys Garnes Randolph Dickerson
Gladys Garnes Randolph Dickerson was born June 22,1933 in Richmond, VA to Gladys Garnes Randolph and William Edward Randolph, Jr. Her father passed away when she was three years old, but “Honey Girl”, William’s pet name for his daughter, stayed with her for life. When she was 10 years old, Honey Girl and her younger sister, Gwendolyne (Peola) were left in the care of grandparents Wallace and Georgia Thompson Garnes while her mother went to work at the Pentagon. Honey Girl shared fond memories of her and Peola shopping for their mother at Tallhammers in downtown Richmond. Although very young, the girls were able to select the right size and style of clothing for their
mother and mail the clothes to Washington, DC.
In 1944 Honey Girl, her sister Peola and grandmother Georgia joined her mother in Washington, DC. Honey Girl walked, often by herself, to attend Sunday School, Bible study and/or church services at First Baptist Church, Second Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Church and a Catholic church. When she was 16 years old, Honey Girl began attending Calvary
Episcopal Church, where Father James O. West, Jr. was the rector. This became the family church.
Gladys attended DC public schools and excelled academically. Classmates called her “Encyclopedia” because she seemed to always know the correct answers! Honey Girl also enjoyed riding bikes and roller skating. Later, she developed interests in painting and photography. In 1951, Honey Girl graduated from Dunbar High School, a classical academic school that prepared black students for college. At Miner Teachers College, Washington, DC, Gladys became president of the Beta Iota Chapter of Delta. After graduating, she taught Math and Science for 31 years at Hine Junior High School, a DC public school. It was not uncommon for former students to enthusiastically greet this favorite teacher, express their gratitude and give an update on their lives.
In 1956, Honey Girl married George Lloyd “Dickie” Dickerson, Jr., an engineer introduced to her by her sister Peola. Honey Girl and Dickie enjoyed dancing to all types of music, especially South American rhythms. In 1958 the Dickersons were blessed with a son, Michael D’Wayne Dickerson.
In 1976 Honey Girl received a flier in the mail and noticed her mother Gladys had received the same flier. It was an invitation to attend a prominent televangelists’ convention, so they did. Honey Girl and Gladys responded to an altar call for those who wished to dedicate their lives to Christ. This decision was transformative and would influence future generations. Honey Girl became an earnest student of the Bible, even
studying Greek and Hebrew. She prioritized her spiritual growth and encouraged family, friends and colleagues to do the same. A red thread was often sewn into the buttonholes of her garments to remind her of the precious blood of Jesus. Honey Girl began a weekly Thursday night family Bible study in her mother’s home which played a significant role in the spiritual formation of family members, especially the children. They
heard the Holy Scriptures and discussed its relevance. She taught the family how to praise the Lord in the song and in the dance, by playing instruments and by lifting holy hands.
Gladys also began practicing a posture of prayer. She prayed for family and friends, global affairs and nations of the world. Honey Girl always breathed a word of prayer when she saw an accident, ambulance or emergency vehicle. If you came to her with a problem, the response was often, “Well, Heavenly Father….”, followed by a prayer of petition on your behalf.
Gladys Dickerson’s devotion to Christ was also evident to the Calvary Episcopal Church community. During service, Gladys always raised her hands during the doxology, and no matter what the song – traditional or contemporary, slow tempo or fast- Gladys was sure to join in the worship with her tambourine. Gladys served on the Vestry, Altar Guild, the Women of Calvary, the Chefs of Calvary, and on the Christian Education
Committee. She also served as a lay reader. Gladys Dickerson was a consistent presence at Saturday morning breakfasts for the homeless and at the Spiritual Renewal weekly Bible studies. She led workshops on prayer for adults and was the grade 6 Sunday School teacher. Sensitive to the needs of the youngest parishioners, Gladys secured space and prepared “The Lambs Place” to minister to infants and toddlers on
Sunday mornings. As Vice Chair of the Fishnet Committee for several years, Gladys and her team took Calvary’s youth to Virginia to enjoy a fun week of camping and exposure to contemporary Christian music and biblical teaching. Gladys Dickerson modeled how to serve Christ by serving others.
Family was important to Honey Girl and whenever the family gathered, she made an effort to be present. All looked forward to her tasty baked salmon and her delicious yams garnished with pineapple, marshmallows and cherries. For a season, she made decorated birthday cakes of the children’s favorite characters. Honey Girl treasured her relationship with her sisters, Peola, Pat and Cathy and generously invested time and resources in their families. She made sure her nieces and nephews had what they needed for church (Bibles and Sunday best outfits), school (clothes and supplies) and extracurricular activities (musical instruments and lessons). She also spoiled them with things they did not need, but would make them feel special (like ordering whatever they wanted from McDonald’s). Honey Girl was always a good sport when her grown nieces and nephews embellished childhood memories involving their aunt and when they told jokes about Honey Girl’s idiosyncrasies (She was a stickler for matching clothes and insisted on using Shell gas).
In 2007 and 2008 Gladys Dickerson was blessed beyond measure when she became grandmother to Evan and Danielle; a heart’s desire finally fulfilled. Gladys helped the children to learn colors and letters and to develop their number sense before they entered school. She wanted to make sure they had a head start in life. In conversations, she proudly gave updates on her grandchildren’s developmental milestones and latest accomplishments.
Our beloved Gladys, Mamma, Grandma, Honey Girl, Aunt Honey, Dickerson has fought the good fight, finished her course, and has kept the faith. There is laid up for her a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give her at that day; and not to her
only, but unto all that love his appearing (2 Timothy 4:7,8).
Gladys was predeceased by her husband, George “Dickie” Dickerson, Jr., mother, Gladys Garnes Randolph Thomas and step-father, Henry Thomas.
Gladys Garnes Randolph Dickerson leaves to cherish her memory and honor her legacy her son Michael and daughter-in-love Mary; grandchildren Evan and Danielle; sisters Gwenolyne Campbell Brown, Patricia Thomas Ambush (Vernon) and Cathy Thomas Franklin; nieces and
nephews Ronald Campbell (Sheila), Cheryl Campbell, Larry Campbell (Kyungin), Charles Green, Christopher Green, Martin Green (Vicky), Kenneth Green, Joyce Green, Janice Scott, Rachaél Franklin, Sean Ambush (Michelle), Kevin Franklin (Lenye), Shannon Ambush Negussie (Adam), Brian Franklin, Whitney Ambush; best family friend, Mary Rose Chappelle; the Smith family of Calvary; and a host of relatives and friends.