Irma Jean Gardner Dickerson, a beloved wife, mother, godmother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, dedicated church member, and cherished friend, peacefully departed this life, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness.

She was born to Elizabeth Gardner Shanklin and George "Happy" Irby on March 14, 1945 in Columbus, MS.

Irma was a woman of great intellect and aspiration. She attended Union Academy and R. E. Hunt High School, later graduating from the Ministerial Institute College and High School, and spending two years at Mississippi State College for Women. Her professional journey saw her serve at Ruth's Shop and as the Children's Department Manager at Sear's from 1972 to 1980, before becoming a valued employee at First Columbus National Bank "Regions" from 1980 until her retirement in 2011.

Irma was the devoted wife of Sellus Dickerson for 61 wonderful years, a union built on love, respect, and Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. A devoted member of Military Chapel United Methodist Church in Steens, MS, since 1964, Irma actively participated in various roles, including usher, choir member, children's church teacher, and Vacation Bible School coordinator. Beyond her church, she was a lifetime member of the NAACP, served as the assistant treasurer for National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women (NANBPW) and was involved with the YMCA, Sims Scott Community Center, R. E. Hunt Museum as a board member, and the UNCF - Rust College Financial Board.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Clarence Gerome Shanklin, Victoria Elizabeth Shanklin, Pattie Diane Shanklin, and Kenneth Miller.

Irma is survived by her loving husband, Sellus Dickerson; her sons, Preston Medgar Dickerson of Pomona, CA, and Adam Monte Dickerson of Columbus, MS, who carry her spirit with them; siblings, Meller Pearl (Willie James) Verdell of Detroit, MI, Ruby Lee (Benjamin) Shanklin Williams of East Lansing, MI, Michael Theodore Shanklin of Ontario, Canada, John Monte (Debra) Shanklin of Goodyear, AZ, Wayne (Linda) Dwight Shanklin of Harrison TWP, MI, and George (Rosalind) Irby, Linda(Henry Lee) Irby Jones, and Pam (John) Irby Whitlock all residing in Columbus, MS; her legacy extends further through her grandsons, Carlo Preston Dickerson, Jason Monte Dickerson, and Brian Christopher Dickerson, along with her two great-granddaughters and one great-grandson; She played an equally important role as a Godmother to Minister J'Marcus Brooks, Herleesha Rolle, and Sonja Granderson-Sanders.

Irma Jean Gardner Dickerson's warmth, wisdom, and unwavering strength touched the lives of many and enriched her community. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will always remain in the hearts of those she loved and uplifted. A celebration of her life will remind us of the beautiful impact she made and the legacy of love she leaves behind.

Irma was a big supporter of Rust College-UNCF. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Irma Dickerson to Rust College (see link or QR Code below):