Velma Patton Dickson

Velma Patton Dickson was received into the hands of God on May 2, 2014. She was born October 28, 1919 near Crenshaw, Mississippi to Amos Bartlett Patton and Luna Elzada Gillespie Patton, who preceded her in death. After graduating from Blackjack High as class valedictorian in 1938, Pat (as she was always known) moved to Knoxville and studied at Draughon Business College to gain the proficiency at typing and shorthand to pass the civil service exam. To do her part during WWII, she applied for jobs in exotic locales on a dare from a friend; she then spent the war years in Canada's Yukon Territory with the Northwest Service Command. Always filled with a sense of adventure, she accepted a position in Bermuda after the war where she met her "ever lovin" Vernon Dickson in 1948, a former Army Air Corps officer who was joining the newly formed US Air Force. They married on February 5, 1949 at Carswell AFB in Fort Worth, then were assigned to Keesler AFB, Biloxi, MS where five of their seven children would be born. Her husband's career took the family to postings around the globe. From post-war Japan to camping across Europe, she embraced all of these experiences with gusto. They always considered Tucson their home after moving here in 1971. She is survived by her children, Patricia, Donald (and Jayn), Charles (and Kelly), Eric (and Claire), Mike (and Ellie), Jeanne Hatfield and Steve (and Laura); 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was the quintessential Little League and Cub Scout mother who never missed a game or an opportunity to support her children and grandchildren, who adored her. We would like to thank the Trask family and the staff for the tender care she received in her final months at the Homestead on 18th Street and Dr Frederick van Hook. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 9, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Tucson. Arrangements by HATFIELD MORTUARY.