Ernest Thomas Dickens

Ernest Thomas Dickens, son of the late James O. Dickens, Sr. and Viola M. (Greene) Dickens was born on May 5, 1933 in Piney Point MD. On Wednesday, March 31, 2021 surrounded by his loving family, Ernest “peacefully” departed this life and entered into eternal rest. He was the oldest of eleven brothers and sisters. He graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School. He served in the United States Army from 1953-1955.

After many years as a dedicated employee at Stuart Petroleum Company and Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, Ernest decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and became self-employed. He was a jack of all trades, a carpenter, a painter, a gardener and a waterman.

As a faithful member and trustee of St. Mark’s U.A.M.E Church, Ernest had a servant’s heart and was very active in ministry. Ernest was also a dedicated member of the Pride of St. Mary’s Elks Lodge #1120, Valley Lee, MD, where he served as the Past Grand Exalted Ruler.

In June 1986, he united in marriage to Laura Dickens. From this union, they were blessed with a blended family of 7 girls and 6 boys. Ernest had many nicknames, he was affectionately called Ernie by his loving wife; to others, he was Ernest T. Bass; My daddy; Young fellow; Mr. D; Pop; Pop Pop; Pop Pop Dickens; and with his witty, humorous and fun-loving sense of humor “he” would refer to himself either as, “I’m the Boss”; or “I’m Mr. Dickens” (LOL). He was one of the biggest jokesters ever, and the life of the party! He loved spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed his time with his grandchildren and his great-grands (Jelly beans as he passionately called them) brought much joy to him. Ernest, we love you. We will forever cherish the sweet memories of you in our hearts; and you will forever be missed.

He had many hobbies including watching his favorite football team, formerly known as the Washington Redskins with family, talking trash, having family gatherings in the backyard, taking his daily rides to St. George’s Island, and spending times with his buddies. Ernest also enjoyed taking weekend getaways to Virginia Beach with the love of his life, Laura and puppy Ling Ling. His most favorite past time and hobby was working in his yard. Ernest’s gardening skills was immaculate. His yard work was fit to be in the Home and Gardens magazine. Ernest enjoyed his visits to see his children in Georgia with Pam and Pat…and BOY WASN’T IT A RIDE! Whether if it was by land or air, EVERY trip was an exciting and humorous adventure – y’all know what we mean!!

On February 14, 2006, Ernest was blessed to receive a kidney transplant from his earthly angel, Mary Farquhar. The family is forever grateful for the blessing of Mary’s selfless and kind act towards Mr. Ernest, whom she affectionately called. In addition, Ernest had two devoted and special friends, Clara and Bliss, whom loved him very much.

To cherish his memory, Ernest is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Laura Dickens; seven daughters, Janice (Jr) Warren of Buford GA; Patsy Mason of Loganville, GA; Pamela (Patrick) Herbert; Karen Robinson, Vicky Robinson; Shary Coates all of Lexington Park, MD and Malanda (Tyrone) Pickett of Virginia Beach; four sons, Calvin (Sherlane) Briscoe of Pooler GA; Henry (Deborah) Briscoe; Tony Robinson of Lexington Park, MD and Shawn Barnes of Bowie, MD;; 32 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren; three godchildren Charlotte Gross, May Gross and Tania Frederick-Allen; four sisters, Cecil (Jr) Young of Loveville, MD; Mary Alice (George) Stewart of Compton MD; Elaine Frederick of Bushwood; Elizabeth Barnes of Temple Hills, MD; one brother, Francis Dickens of Leonardtown, MD; three sisters-in law, Yvonne Maddox of Lexington Park, MD, Melva Coates of Great Mills, MD, and Saundra Ginyard of Bowie, MD, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Ernest (Brother) and Tyrone (Jelly Roll); two grandsons, William (Ton Ton) and Marquise;son-in-law, Gregory Mason; one great-grandson, baby Gantt; five brothers, James, Joseph, Russell, Vincent, and Paul, father-in-law James Melvin; mother-in-law Eunice Coates and a special and dear friend Jerry Farquhar

On Friday, April 9, 2021, visitation will begin at 11 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 22375 Three Notch Rd, Lexington Park, MD 20653. Interment to follow in the church cemetery.