Marcia B. Pittrell

With full hearts, we announce that Marcia B. Pittrell of Richmond, Virginia, daughter of the late McKinley and Caldonia J. Dickerson, born on Wednesday, May 10, 1950, opened the doors to her heavenly home on Sunday, May 3rd. Marcia, lovingly known as “Sweetlum,” was a wife, sister, aunt, G-Ma, GG-Ma, and dear friend to many. It was often said that Marcia was a “runner” — either running alongside someone or running after someone — though she would have much rather been dancing. Marcia loved to dance and could truly cut the rug with the best of them. She had both the stamina and the legs to prove it and was often told she had legs like Tina Turner herself. Marcia graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School and immediately afterward enrolled in Phillips School of Business, where she earned a certificate in Hospitality and Bookkeeping. Her career began shortly after completing the school’s two-year program, and her education proved to be the perfect match for the environments in which she would dedicate more than 50 years of her professional life. She was first employed by Virginia Union University, home of the mighty Panthers. She found the campus atmosphere exciting and truly enjoyed being part of the university community. She could often be found on the yard cheering on students and offering support whenever needed. After more than 20 years, she decided a change was needed and was encouraged to apply to the University of Richmond — home of the Spiders — in 1990. During her time at the University of Richmond, she served as a service associate, manager trainee, and later service manager in the Heilman Dining Center before retiring as a Service Manager on May 31, 2015. Upon retirement, Marcia decided it was finally time to take a seat and get off her feet — though there were times she forgot she still needed to get up. After her retirement hiatus — a season of rest, refocus, and rebound — she hit the ground running once again. Summers became filled with beach vacations, mountain skyline views, amusement parks, movie theaters, and concerts in the park shared with family and friends. Marcia, affectionately known as “Sweetlum,” was preceded in death by her parents, McKinley and Caldonia J. Dickerson; her estranged husband, Lamont Pittrell; her youngest daughter, Sharon P. Dickerson-Reed; her youngest grandson, Tariq Ormond Dickerson; her brothers, McKinley W. Dickerson Jr. and Sylvester Dickerson; and her beloved four-legged grandpup, Choc. She leaves to cherish her memory her eldest daughter, Frances A. Dickerson-King (Jermaine); her sister, Sandra Dickerson-Fox; her eldest grandson, Steffan K. Dickerson (LaKia); her great-grandchildren, Steffan K. Dickerson Jr., Kalani E. Dickerson, and DaKariia N. Dickerson; her ride-or-die, polyester fiberfill, cotton, and mochi-stuffing backseat car mate, Teddy Bear; and a large host of extended family and friends.

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Marcia B. Pittrell

May 10, 1950 - May 3, 2026