Mary Dickert

NEWBERRY — Mary Layton Dickert, 96, formerly of Newberry, S.C., died Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Camellia Walk Assisted Living in Evans, Ga.

Mary was born on December 28, 1921, in Newberry, S.C., the daughter of the late Charles Franklin and Nan Hair Layton. She attended the public schools of Newberry and graduated from Newberry College in 1943 with a B.A, in English. She taught school in Ninety-Six, S.C. until her marriage to Dr. Elbert J. Dickert Jr. in February 1944. Their marriage lasted for over 60 years until his death in June of 2004. Following their marriage, she and Dr. Dickert returned to Newberry, where he practiced medicine for 50 years. During her 96 years, she lived a life of humble service and unselfish devotion to her family, her church, her friends and her community. She never aspired for or sought material wealth, influence, or recognition. Instead she always placed her desires and wishes behind those of others. In the words of the Gospel, "Well done good, and faithful servant."

She was a devoted member of Central United Methodist Church in Newberry for over 70 years, served as a founding member of the Literary Study Club, and was an active member of the Medical Auxiliary of Newberry County.

Mary is survived by two sons, Neal W. Dickert, his wife, Floride of Augusta, Ga. and David L Dickert, his wife Barbara of Eureka, Mo.; three grandchildren Dr. Neal W. Dickert Jr., his wife Dr. Rachel Derr Dickert, John E. Dickert, his wife Beth, and Mary C. Fitzgerald, her husband Matthew; and two devoted nieces Barbara Buddin Parker and Nan Buddin Bridgers. She was blessed with seven great-grandchildren, Jackson, Henry, Owen and Eleanor Dickert, and Ruby, James and Lydia Fitzgerald.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, Clara "Taddy" Buddin, Ernest Layton, Olin Layton, Harold Layton and John Layton.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January, 21, 2018 at Central United Methodist Church in Newberry, South Carolina.

The family will receive friends at the church in Henry Hall following the funeral service with burial to follow the visitation in Rosemont Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Newberry Opera House, P.O. Box 357, Newberry, SC 29108; Central United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 67 Newberry, SC 29108; or O'Neal Street United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 5, Newberry, SC 29108.

Active pallbearers will be Dr. Neal W. Dickert Jr., Mr. John E. Dickert, Mr. Matthew Fitzgerald, Mr. Dalton Parker, Mr. Larry Bridgers and Mr. Pat Wilkes.

Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com.

Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family.