Memorial Service Held for William Dickerson

William Dickerson was born on June 21, 1942, on Wadmalaw Island in Charleston, South Carolina to his parents, the late Beulah Dickerson and Luther Clayton Hadley, also known as “L.C.” William, also known as “Jackie” to his friends and family members, attended schools in the states of South Carolina and New York, where he spent his formative years in Harlem and Mt. Vernon with loving parents and siblings.

Although raised in the south, Jackie considered New York his true home. As a young man, he walked his sister Keturah to school and engaged in the social and cultural opportunities many New Yorkers take for granted. Jackie loved classic rhythm and blues, especially the Motown sound. Jackie was fourteen years old when his mother died in 1962. His father was a Merchant Marine and as a result, his younger siblings, Keturah, Alexis, and Marvin moved to Covert, Michigan to be raised by their Aunt Frances and Uncle Benjamin Horton, and Jackie moved to 248 East Fifth Street in Mt. Vernon, NY to continue his education in New York and to be cared for by his Aunt Nancy and Uncle Leroy Simmons. There he bonded with, and grew closer to his cousins Edward, Hezekiah, Waheebah (also known as Beverly), and Leona (also known as Linda).

Prior to a debilitating bus accident, Jackie was employed by Kress Discount Store on Central Avenue, in Yonkers and at Saxton Barber Shop in Mt. Vernon. He was always a dedicated employee, always early and willing to work hard. He had a charismatic personality, an infectious laugh, and people liked to be around him. Jackie loved his family and looked forward to family gatherings, and listening to music.

As Jackie grew older and needed closer care, he lived in multiple settings. He was appreciated for his quick wit and jokes by family and staff alike. His last residence was Terrance Cardinal Cook Health Care Center on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Jackie departed this life at Calvary Hospital on Memorial Day, May 29, 2023, after a short illness. He was predeceased by his parents L.C. and Beulah Hadley, sister Alexis Hickmon, brother Marvin Hadley, Aunt Nancy and Uncle Leroy Simmons, and cousins Edward Simmons, Hezekiah Simmons, and Leona McMahon. Jackie leaves to cherish his memory his sister Keturah Hadley, and cousins Waheebah Majid, Sandra Dickerson, Fred Dickerson, Luther Hadley, Lawrence Hadley, Natasha Hadley Graham, Avery Nigel Graham, and a host of beloved cousins, and wonderful friends.