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Gussie Dickens Obituary
November 12, 1940 - September 16, 2024
Mrs. Gussie Mae Jenkins Dickens made her peaceful ascent on Monday, September 16, 2024. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph Dickens. She leaves behind a cherished only child, Dr. Rio Dickens-Celestin; and the son-in-law she adored, Joel Celestin. Gussie was the proud grandmother of three grandsons, Reid Joel Celestin, Bryce Ralph Celestin, and Banner Bernadin Celestin.
Born to John L. Jenkins and Lula Mae Jackson, Gussie was raised alongside her siblings,
Charlotte Lee Smith, Delores Brooks, Betti Joan Hinton, Barbara Ann Baker, John L. Jenkins, III, Keretha Whitfield, Glenda Sylvia Mayo, Harvey Keith Jenkins, and Alton Coley Jenkins. Her chosen family included countless friends, including Ms. Alice, Carolyn, Dee, Delores, Evelyn, Julia, and Rita.
Mrs. Dickens was born on November 12, 1940, in South Carolina. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of The First Baptist Church at Jefferson Park in Newport News, Va. She graduated from Virginia State University with a degree in Health and Physical Education. For 30 years, Mrs. Dickens was a dedicated teacher and coach at Thomas Jefferson High School, where she made a lasting positive impact on her students. She led field hockey, volleyball, and tennis teams with the same passion and enthusiasm displayed in the classroom.
In addition to her professional achievements, Mrs. Dickens was an active and caring community member. Mrs. Dickens and her mother-in-law, Mrs. Delma Dickens, were longtime members of First African Baptist Church. She was a proud member of the Richmond Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., dedicated to nurturing future.
African-American leaders. Mrs. Dickens served as Chapter President from 1985 to 1987. She was also a member of CHUMS, Inc., a non-profit organization that fosters friendship and service among women. Her passions included bowling, tennis, gardening, pokeno, and baking.
Above all, her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandsons, whom she adored. Gussie will be remembered for her joyful spirit, deep compassion, and unwavering selflessness. She was a beloved mother, sister, friend, neighbor, and educator, leaving a legacy of love and dedication that will be felt forever.
The service will be held at First African Baptist Church led by Pastor Rodney Waller on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 10 a.m.
Memories and Condolences
for Gussie Dickens
Laurita Harris Portee
October 15, 2024
Mrs. Dickens was my gym teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School. She was a tough but funny teacher meaning she didn´t let you slack but also made you laugh. Praying for her family´s peace and comfort.
Carol Reed Jones
October 15, 2024
My sincerest condolences and prayers to the family of Mrs. Dickens. I was one of her students at Thomas Jefferson High School in 1973. She was a compassionate and caring teacher always putting her students first.
Alverta Norrisw
October 11, 2024
Dear Family, i hold cherished memories of your mother/grandmother -
Mrs. Gussie d
Lori E. Hunter
October 11, 2024
Praying with the family and friends of Mrs. Dickens. She was the best tennis coach ever! She was always giving us the confidence to win against any opponent. Sometimes she would pray that the opponent would double fault and they would!! May she rest in peace and power!!
Minister Lori E. Hunter
TJ Class of 1978
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Marcia Anthony Lamb
October 11, 2024
Will always share fond , fun memories of her as my PE teacher and tennis coach at Thomas Jefferson High School. I know she leaves behind a legacy of love and true dedication as a life well lived. Prayers of peace and comfort for the family-Marcia Anthony Lamb
Wanda Fitzgerald Taliaferro
October 10, 2024
I remember Ms Dickens as my 8th grade teacher at Peabody High school. She inspired me to be a cheerleader and later a Physical Education Teacher. I remembered how professional she always looked in her white tennis skirt and white blouse!
Rest in peace
kaigler (coleman) tunstall
October 10, 2024
beloved favorite of mine at Thomas Jefferson it was a pleasure playing field hockey on her team, always thought fond memories...God bless the family of this lovely lady
Paulette Walker Johnson
October 10, 2024
This beautiful soul was my Physical Education teacher, my cheering coach and my mentor. I absolutely adored everything about her. Much of who I am was based on what I saw in her. Not many people are aware of how much she nurtured me. I smile when I´m told I act just like her. I cried tears of gratitude when I learned of her passing. Mrs. Jenkins-Dickens was the most influential person in my life! Rest in Peace and I know we will meet again!
Becky Branch-Griffin
October 10, 2024
Thank you Mrs. Jenkins-Dickens for your tough love as my Peabody Gym/Health Teacher. May you rest peacefully
Stephanie Fitzgerald McNeil
October 9, 2024
Mrs. Dickens was my heath and physical education teacher at Peabody High School. She was an excellent teacher and worked well with her students. She believed in us and offered her assistance in preparing for higher educational goals. She has left a legacy through out the Commonwealth. Thank you for the many memories we have of you.
Lillian King Boyd
October 9, 2024
Gussie & I were classmates at VSC (now VSU). While reading her obit to my husband, Frank, he commented, "I never heard Gussie say anything bad about anyone." He is right! Gussie was alway a sweetheart, so kind, always so polite, so indicative of her wonderful Newport News family.
Cheryl B.
October 9, 2024
So sorry to hear that this spectacular lady has passed. Condolences to Rio and the family.
Edith Tyler Brooks
October 9, 2024
I remember Mrs Dickens Well
A Very Professional Gym Teacher. STERN BUT FAIR
WAS MY NINTH GRADE GYM TEACHER. TO HER FAMILY I TRULY SORRY OF HER PASSING. MAY SHE REST IN HEAVENLY PEACE
Diane Smith
October 9, 2024
I loved Mrs. Dickens she was a wonderful Physical Education teacher. My condolences to the family.
Beverly Whitaker-Braxton
October 9, 2024
Condolences to the Dickens´ Family! Gussie was truly a beautiful person and she leaves a great legacy. Remember that earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal!
Veola Thomas
October 9, 2024
I remember Coach D from T Jay! She was my coach on field hockey and I remember her with a smile and no nonsense attitude. She was a force not to be reckon with. May she rest in peace. Prayers to her family.
Mary Cheeseman-Graham
October 8, 2024
To the Jenkins and Dickens Family-So sorry for your loss. Heaven has gained an angel. Keep the memories alive in your heart and she will live with you forever. George Washington Carver High School class of 1958 Love and Prayers Sally Maxwell-Staton and Mary Cheeseman-Graham
Katherine Goble Moore
October 8, 2024
Condolences to the family. Gussie was a friend and neighbor in Newsome Park. The Jenkins family and the Gobles were neighbors and classmates from Elementary through high school! Many fond memories will always bring a smile. That's one of the best memories I have... that smile!! She and my sister Joylette graduated together but we all were "family" back then...
Ashley Clarke
October 8, 2024
Mrs. Gussied was not only my teacher for p.e at Tee Jay, but also a member of my church. She always checked on me and my education as I went to college whenever she saw me at church. She would laugh about how I was on of her mother in law's babies as Mrs. Delma had been the director of the FAB nursery when I was little. She will be remembered fondly always. Praying God surround her family with His strength.
Aisha Harris
October 8, 2024
I rmbr at Tee Jay, Mrs. Dickens and my homeroom teacher Mrs. Dickerson were always the first ones I saw in the morning when getting off the bus... I swear I use to pluck her nerves and she always never held back either. I would always get a good laugh and kick by getting her started first thing in the morning...
I´m sadden to hear of her passing. She was a great teacher!! Sending her daughter and the rest of her family my sincere condolences
Patricia Taylor
October 8, 2024
Gussie and I were at Virginia State College, now University, during the same time. And we were co-workers at TJHS. O
ur husbands were also friends and played tennis frequently. Our friendship was dear to me and will be cherished. Sincere sympathy is extended to Rio and family.
Patricia Taylor
Connie Cuffee
October 8, 2024
I have such fond memories of working alongside Gussie Dickens as a PE teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School. She lead our department and kept it real with students and teachers. She was so proud of her daughter Rio. I feel a profound loss as I remember those glorious days at TJ. I miss her being at Po Keno after she moved to be with Rio. Love you Gussie, still missing you. Condolences to the family.
Jill Hill Turner
October 8, 2024
I am so sorry to read of the passing of Mrs. Dickens...she was and excellent educator and mentor, setting an example for all of us.
Prayers for her family and loved ones. May she rest in sweet peace.
Brenda Reid
October 8, 2024
I had the pleasure of having Mrs. Dickenson as my gym teacher. She was no joke. But played a good impact in my life. Truly an amazing women, You will Truly be missed by soo many of your Thomas Jefferson High School Students
RIP MRS DICKENS
Sandee Smith
October 8, 2024
Mrs. Dickens was one of my favorite teachers. She and Mrs. Dickerson would also keep us straight. She will be miss, Rio I remember you as sometimes you would be after school with your mom. Prayers of comfort
Margaret Roane
October 8, 2024
Mrs. Dickens was my PE teacher at TJHS. She was always sweet and caring. A life well lived!! She will be missed.
Benita Jones -TJ Class of 1977
October 8, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jill Henley Payne
October 8, 2024
I've known Gussie Dickens for most of my entire life (I'm 63). Her mother-in-law (Mrs. Dickens) would babysit me as a child and when she wasn't available, Gussie Dickens would take over. When I began high school at TJ, Mrs. G. Dickens was my gym teacher and my tennis coach. She was always full of love and some sassiness for us. She guided and mentored us and always let us know she was watching every move we made. Ms. Gussie was a positive influence in my life and I will cherish all of my memories of her.
Jeanette Littleton Brown
October 8, 2024
Mrs. Dickens was my tennis and field hockey coach at Tee Jay. I remember vividly seeing her and Coach Dickerson standing at the door of the girls locker room..."good morning Littleton." She was a beautiful lady inside and out... A Classy Lady who always had a beautiful smile and a word of encouragement. Mrs. Dickens was an excellent educator who cared for her students. Deepest condolences to Mrs. Dickens entire family. Cherish the fond memories, the love and laughter she gave.
Rev. Dr. Jeanette Littleton Brown (Tee Jay `76)
Cherylene Edwards
October 8, 2024
Ms Dickens was my home room teacher at Tee Jay for 4 years (Class of 80). My sincere condolences to her daughter and siblings...May her soul RIP...
Daryl Cumber Dance
October 8, 2024
So sad of the news of the death of this wonderful lady,
Daryl Cumber Dance
Marvin Adkins
October 8, 2024
I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs Dickens, as I started my freshman year at Thomas Jefferson High School in 1977. Mrs Dickens was an amazing educator genuine person. I remember how she and Mrs Dickerson would greet students in the morning, and always shared a laughter, or joke. Mrs Dickens was always dressed for success. I offer my condolences to her family. May you rest in Paradise, Mrs Dickens.
Your former student,
Marvin Adkins
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