ANLIZA J. DICKENS

Anliza Johnson Dickens, daughter of the late JoNathan and Maggie Johnson, was born on Jan. 18, 1916, in Scotland Neck, N.C. She resided with her family until moving to Petersburg, Va., where she lived for many years. Her last few years were spent at Golden Living Center, Petersburg. On Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, God called her from her Earthly home to a heavenly home for eternal rest.

Anliza gave her life to Christ at an early age, and became a member of Mary's Chapel Baptist Church, Scotland Neck, N.C. Upon relocating to Petersburg in 1965, Anliza became a member of Good Shepherd Baptist Church, which was located at that time on Virginia Avenue in Petersburg. She loved the atmosphere of worship at Good Shepherd, and remained a faithful attendee until her health declined. In 2012, she was honored and celebrated as the oldest member.

Anliza was the wife of Harvey Dickens, who preceded her in death on Oct. 4, 1995. They were married on Dec. 27, 1934, and shared a marriage for 60 years. Also preceding her in death was a son, James Aaron Dickens (Vietnam in 1968), and 10 siblings: Josephine Johnson Whitaker, Nathaniel Johnson, Frank Johnson, Maggie Anna Johnson Pittman, Phillip Johnson, William Thomas Johnson, Amy Johnson Allen, and one sibling who died during infancy.

To cherish her precious memories, she leaves behind five loving and devoted daughters, Annie D. Henderson, South Chesterfield, Va., Alberta D. Humes, Washington, D.C., Novella D. Carpenter, Randallstown, Md., Mary D. Jones, Fayetteville, N.C., Minnie D. Wallace, South Chesterfield, Va.; two sons, Joseph P. Dickens and Clifton Dickens Sr. of Petersburg, Va.; two sisters, Dorothy Johnson Whitaker of Scotland Neck, N.C., and Sadie Daniels of Whitakers, N.C.; one brother-in-law, Roger Whitaker; 14 grandchildren, Yvette and Michael Humes, Tonya and Jason Henderson (Kaileen), John Jr. and Kristina Jones, Brandon Kimble (ToShera), Clifton Jr. and Carlos Dickens, Candace Dickens-Brooks, Angela James, Je'Nard Carpenter, Marcus and Shanda Wallace; and 7 great-grandchildren, Steven Price, Kyhir and Makena James, Deshawn Delane, Braylon Kimble, and Mikayla and Kira Humes; daughters-in-law, Sarah Dickens, Mary Dickens; sons-in-law, George Henderson, the Rev. Lawrence Carpenter, John Jones; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 2223 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, Va.; the Rev. Jeffrey Reaves presiding. Interment will be in Scotland Neck, N.C. The family will receive friends and acquaintances at William N. Bland & Son Funeral Home, 137 Harrison St., Petersburg, from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013. The family and friends will assemble at the residenceof George and Annie Henderson at 3705 Dupuy Road, Ettrick, Va., the day of the funeral.

Arrangements entrusted to the staff of William N. Bland & Son; the Rev. William N. and Mrs. Doris B. Bland Jr., and Mr. James I. Gay, funeral directors. For more information or to leave an online condolenc,e visit us at blandenterprises.com.