Beauford Wayne Dickerson

Beauford Wayne Dickerson, affectionately known to many as “Big Wayne,” was born on March 6, 1950 in Tangipahoa Parish, LA to LeRoy Dickerson and Myrtis Newman Dickerson. He grew up in Kentwood, LA, attending O.W. Dillion High School, where he excelled in football and basketball. He dedicated his life to hard work, service, and the love of community. For nearly 40 years, he worked faithfully as a boiler room engineer at K&B Plaza, earning the respect of colleagues through his commitment, reliability, and strong work ethic. 

Beyond his profession, Wayne’s true passion was found on the field and in the gym. As a coach at the Rosenwald Center, he poured his heart into mentoring and guiding young athletes. Sports were more than games to him — they were opportunities to teach life lessons about discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and character. His life was built around coaching and mentoring children, and he embraced that calling wholeheartedly.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Venita Irene Evangelister Dickerson; parents, and two siblings, Myrtle Dickerson Stanfield and Jeff Henry Dickerson.He leaves to cherish his precious memories: nine children, Lance (Natasha) Evangelister, Beauford Evangelister, LaWaymond Dickerson, Tyrrell Wayne Louis, JaWayne Washington, KaWaynea Washington, Keane, Gregory Avery, Lucinda Desmond; one god-son, Todd Cooper; eleven grandchildren. five great grandchildren, three siblings, Bishop Roy (Jeannie) Dickerson, Ellis Dickerson, and Ola Mae Dickerson; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church No. 2, 2200 Louisiana Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will take place at Providence Park Cemetery, Metairie, LA.