Jesse Roy Dickens Sr.

Jesse Roy Dickens Sr, son of the late Robert Dickens Sr and Mary Jane Fields, was born on November 2, 1924 in Tarboro, NC. He was affectionately known as Pops, Grandad and Uncle Jesse to many who loved him. After 96 years of his grace, Jesse gained his wings of armor on December 28th, 2020. Jesse’s story began in Tarboro, NC but early on relocated to Portsmouth, VA where he completed his entire grade school education. His time in Virginia would later take him on a journey of purpose and fulfilling life experiences. After completing school, he went to serve in the United States Army for 4 years with a tour abroad during World War II. Returning home from the Army he worked at the Navy Yard in Norfolk, VA where he worked as a lead cook. During this time, he met and married his first wife, Ojetta, who early on preceded him in death. To this union, his first son was born (Jesse Jr.). In 1949, Jesse met his second wife and life partner of 57 years, Vera C. Hunt of Portsmouth, VA. Together their love and union would produce 6 more children. As Jesse’s family grew, he decided to relocate to the Big Apple (New York City) where his siblings migrated before him. It was here where Jesse would find his trade as a plumber, becoming a superintendent of many buildings. He took great pride in putting in hard work, utilizing his hands, and working with his brothers and cousin James (Snowball) Best. Ultimately he would work with Housing, Preservation and Development until he retired, where his love for handy work would continue as he worked for the apartment building he resided in. Jesse was truly a family man. He served as The Patriarch and Historian of the Dickens family. He would plan and orchestrate family reunions, keep in contact with several members of the family (whether near or far), and all while teaching the younger generation about our heritage to ensure the torch would be passed down. Jesse was the essence of love. You could always count on a hot meal, a good laugh, great music, dancing and definitely a warm loving atmosphere. If you ever wondered who the life of the party was, it was him. He would grace the dance floor whenever the opportunity allowed. He loved life, people and most of all cooking for everyone. He will forever be celebrated for his chopped BBQ. He loved making his big Sunday dinners and having people dropping in whether invited or not. Jesse greatly enjoyed playing the illegal numbers and the lottery. Whether in New York, Maryland or the various places he traveled, he made sure he played his numbers in rain hail sleet or snow. Jesse was a lifelong member of the Boyer Lodge No.1 Prince Hall Freemasonry in the state of New York and its jurisdictions. The foundation is Character. Its purpose is Service. Its measure is Giving. Its foundation is perpetuated by “Making Good Men Better.” He was committed to the purpose of making “better men out of good men", better fathers, better husbands, better brothers and better sons. Jesse is preceded in death by his loving wife, Vera Dickens; his parents, Robert and Mary; his son Jesse Jr.; his 3 brothers, Robert, Roosevelt and James; as well as his 2 sisters Mildred and Vivian. Jesse is survived by his youngest sister Ernestine Dickens, 3 sons (Keith, Clinton, Clifford Dickens) 4 daughters (Linda, Saphronia (Michael), Valerie (William), Catherine), 26 Grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He also served as an extended grandfather to many over his many years here on earth. According to Psalms 90:10 The length of our days is seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet their span is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. This is how we know we had an angel among us.

Tributes

Jesse Roy Dickens Sr.

November 2, 1924 - December 28, 2020