Myrtis Lee Dickerson

Myrtis Lee Dickerson, 71, of Erie, PA, passed Sunday, October 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born November 13, 1953, in Laurel, MS to the late Earnest T. Dickerson and Mattie Lee Coleman-Arrington.

Sister Dickerson was a faithful member of Mt. Zion Seventh Day Adventist Church, where she served with dedication on the usher board, as church secretary, and as part of the hospitality committee. She continued her service wholeheartedly until her health no longer allowed.

Myrtis was a devoted woman of God whose life was a testament to faith, love, and service. As a homemaker, she created a sanctuary of warmth and welcome, pouring her heart into every meal, every prayer, and every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and all who entered her home. Her door was always open, and her spirit was always generous.

Sister Dickerson's love ran up and down East 22nd Street, becoming a pillar in her neighborhood, admired and cherished by all who knew her. Her kindness radiated through every meal she prepared, every gathering she hosted, and every soul she comforted. Whether it was a plate of her famous baked goods or a quiet moment of prayer, she gave freely and abundantly.

She nurtured her family with unwavering devotion, instilling values of compassion, resilience, and faith. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the traditions she started, and the love she gave so effortlessly. She cherished her family deeply and found immense joy and pride in every new life that joined their circle, embracing each addition as a precious blessing. To know Myrtis was to know grace. To be loved by her was to feel the presence of God. Her memory will forever be a blessing. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Arthur Dickerson and Josephine Cooley-Dickerson, maternal grandparents, James Coleman Sr. and Ida Mae Carter-Coleman, life-long partner Levi Parker, son, Joao R. Dickerson Sr., sister, Ernestine Collier, nephew, Eric Patterson, grandchildren, Shanaia M. Dickerson, Shadaira Z. Parker, and great-grandson, Jaydan Augustyniak.

She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Seamus Parker (Patricia), and Geremia Parker (Samantha), a daughter, Angelique Parker (Verkarry) all of Erie PA. A sister, Ruby Pratt of Cleveland, OH and a brother, Michael (Fatima) Jenkins of Erie PA. Three bonus children, Michael, Stacey, and Angela Parker, all of Laurel MS. Thirty- grandchildren, Alexis Norman, Brenden Augustyniak, Jolie and Joao Jr. Dickerson. Keausha, Taniya, Shanise, Keyonna, Seamus Jr. Layla, Crisean, Nyla, Chance, Shakeem, Shaheem, Cartier Parker. Denaysha (Antonio) Copeland, Geremia Jr., Destiny, Tyrese, Jaywon, Noella, Ariella Parker and Rashawn Clinton. Raheem, Kemoni (Jada), TaBias, and Amari Farmer, Sayvion Willis-Stewart, Avyanna Pickens. Fifteen great-grandchildren; Niyairah and Xiaire Farmer, Zyana, Ta’Ziah Parker, Telana Copeland, Rashad Williams III, A’Mariona and Azani Gilmore, Deaquan, Kyrie, Brenden Jr., Zy’Aire and Karmyn Augustyniak, Cameron Lane and Ja’von Dickerson.

God-children Virginia Gamble and Tierra Johnson, Ryan Ward, Jason Ellman, Diquan Warren, and Janson Williams. Her closest friends and sisters in Christ; Brendalyn Tamplin, Roma Johnson, Mary-Liz Lopez, Regina Carpenter, Martha Woodard, Dolores Brown and Betty Simmons. Two very specials ladies who she treated as her own, checked on her frequently, and adored her as their own, Carrietta Carpenter and Luvennise “Lady” Gamble and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

We find peace in knowing that this is not goodbye, but only until we meet again at His soon coming.

Services will be held at Mt. Zion Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 204 East 24th Street, on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 11am to1pm, where a home going celebration will immediately follow, with Pastor James Bannerman eulogizing. Interment will be at Erie Cemetery. Professional services entrusted to Pitts Funeral Home, 2926 Pine Avenue, Erie, PA 16504.