Kathryn Frances Dickerson
1920-2017
Beautiful Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Friend, Kathryn Frances Drexel Dickerson passed away at her home in Houston, TX on January 28, 2017 at the age of 96.

Kathryn was born on September 6, 1920 in Bogota, Columbia to Charles Francis Drexel II and Kathleen Blanche Holmes. After a year in South America, the family worked and lived in Washington DC, Wayne County, MO, Lubbock, TX, and Colorado. Kathryn graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, in 1942, majoring in English and minoring in foreign languages. After college she moved to San Francisco, CA to work for an import/export company. In 1943, Kathryn joined the United States Coast Guard to support the WWII war effort, working in recruitment and cryptography.
After the war, Kathryn returned to work, joining the Civil Service Commission in Denver where she met her husband, William M Dickerson. They married on December 20, 1948 and raised their two children while traveling with the USAF. They settled in Houston, TX in 1967.
In 1976, after her children were in college, Kathryn returned to the workforce with the University of Houston, Clear Lake where she worked for 30 years as an admissions counselor and the associate director for international student services. While working, she earned her master's degree in humanities. She loved the arts; opera, symphony, plays, museums and in contrast, she also loved the Houston Astros. She played bridge and golf, studied Chinese, Russian and Italian, but her greatest passion was for the written word. She simply loved to read and to learn.
Kathryn is preceded in death by her husband William M Dickerson, her son Dale Drexel Dickerson I, and her brother Charles Francis Drexel III. Kathryn is survived by her daughter Kathleen Anne Dickerson of Houston, her grandson Dale Drexel Dickerson II and his wife Jennifer Beal Dickerson, her great grandson Jude Drexel Dickerson, all of Virginia Beach, VA, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Kathryn's life will be held at 12:30 PM on Saturday, February 11, 2017 in the chapel at Forest Park East, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Kathryn F Dickerson Scholarship Fund, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Office of University Advancement, 2700 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, TX 77058, C/O Kim Herhold.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Feb. 5, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Kathryn Dickerson

Sponsored by Forest Park East Funeral Home & Cemetery.

12 Entries

March 15, 2017

There were times over the last 20 years I wanted to get on touch with Mrs Dickerson. I left USA way back in 1995. I was an International student at UHCL and graduated in 1991. I still remember my meetings with her and advices she gave me. They were really valuable. I did think to get in touch but somehow it never happened. This evening after leaving office for some unknown reason she came across my mind. So in the car I simply started to search the Internet. In a minute I came across the obituary. I am so sad to see this. I ask myself why I didn't try to connect with her over the years gone by. I am so sorry Mrs. Dickerson. My prayers are with you.

My condolences to the family.

Regards,
Farhad Ahmad
[email protected]

Anne Baronitis

March 9, 2017

I worked with Katherine at UHCL from 1989-1996. She was a great lady and a good friend and mentor. My deepest condolences on your loss.

Kathleen Dickerson

February 13, 2017

I miss you every day, Mom.

February 13, 2017

Im Truly Sorry for your loss,and what a loss it is. Ms.Dickerson was a beautiful lady and a very caring person. May God grant the family His peace at such a difficult time as this.God Bless You. J. Gutierrez

February 13, 2017

I just loved working with Kathryn Dickerson here at UHCL. What a lovely delightful lady! She attended many of our foreign language classes here in the continuing ed programs, and was a source of inspiration for all of us!

February 13, 2017

Although I did not know Ms. Dickerson, I am forever indebted to her for the path she blazed for the International Program at UH-CL. We follow her passion to this day.
Sherri Van Over, Webster Texas

Kay Brown

February 13, 2017

What a great lady! So sorry for your loss. She was one of the first people I met when I started working at UHCL. She was so kind to me and the international students just loved her.

Joyce Young

February 13, 2017

I first met Kathryn when I worked in the Foreign Language Department, back in the 90's. Always smiling, speaking to me at the front desk, just a nice lady. Then when our building was being remodeled and I was stationed in the SSB, she would pass by me every morning, say good morning, what a nice day it is, and tell me to feel free to come and get coffee and a drink in her area, which I did because I knew she was sincere. She was kind and hospitable, and I will remember her fondly. Deepest condolences to her family.

Percy & Paulette Viator

February 11, 2017

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child especially when the parent has lived such a long life of service. Our deepest sympathy is with you as you grieve.

February 7, 2017

So very sorry for the loss of your Beautiful Loved One. May your Cherished Memories shine through your sorrow. ...John 6:40 & Ps 37:29

Sameer Pande

February 6, 2017

My first interaction with Ms. Dickerson was when I came to UHCL as an international student. She was an International Advisors at that time. I will never forget how welcoming and patient she was with all international students. Her presence at Commencement ceremonies where she would stand for hours cheering for international student, knowing that most of them did not have family members in the audience, is etched in my memory forever. When I joined UHCL as a full time employee she became a valued colleague. She was and continues to be an inspiration for those of us working with international students.

David Rachita

February 6, 2017

To the Dickerson Family I started working at UHCL in 1995 and am sure that Ms. Dickerson was one of the first to welcome me. Ms. Dickerson was the nicest and kindest person and I always enjoyed chatting with her in the hallways. She always amazed me how she just kept going and you could tell that she loved keeping going'. She was a pillar at UHCL and all that knew her held her in high respect with much reverence. Her character, her charm, her sincere kind smile, and her dedication to UHCL and her students was and has been an inspiration to those of us that knew her and will continue to be so. - David Rachita, UHCL, Dean of Students

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