ForeverMissed
Large image
Evette Maria Dickerson fondly known as “Ms. D,” passed away at the young age of 68. Queen to her children and the epitome of love and caring. She cherished her three daughters Nicole (Nikki), Rheema (Cocoa) and Raeven; and relished in being a grandmother to Edison, Ellis and Brooklyn who affectionately called her “Umi”.  She fondly referred to her son-in-law Jeffrey as "Jeffrey Bo Dean." Evette stood for family first--sacrificing her own desires and needs. Through life’s obstacles, she remained optimistic and audacious. Her smile and dynamic attitude were contagious, lighting up every room she entered. Always spreading joy and knowledge to whomever she encountered, from her church community, members of her book club, strangers on the street to the bus drivers on her regular commutes. 

Born to educate, Evette took pride in imparting wisdom unto people of all ages and backgrounds. Having received a Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Morgan State University, Evette knew her mission in life was to enlighten people. After many years of teaching physical education and coaching basketball in Miami, Florida, she took her scholarly aptitude to the streets of South-Central Los Angeles and Atlanta, Georgia where she developed programs for underrepresented minority communities.  As a lifelong community activist, she empowered gang members to use their God given talents towards making a difference in their neighborhoods. For years, she fought hard to bring about social change while working in some of the toughest cities in the country. Evette easily related to everyone and feared no one or anything, (except bugs :-)). She was truly comfortable in every environment and had the ability to communicate with anyone on any level. Evette was extremely passionate about education and helping others. Her desire to tutor children in SAT preparatory courses began in the early 2000s while working at The Princeton Review. Thereafter, she formed her own business called Step At A Time,” a private tutorial company.  With every parent and child she encountered, she would impress upon the importance of preparing for the college prep exam and assured them that she was “the instructor,” to help accomplish their goal.  With her “Gotta Do It” attitude and “yes you can” cheers, her promise was to get each child to the higher education they desired and deserved. Her success rate was topnotch and her genius was astonishing. 

Evette loved games shows. Her favorites were Jeopardy and Who Wants to Be A Millionaire.  She was a whiz, often beating the television contestants from her living room. Back in the 80’s, she even appeared on the shows, $25,000 Pyramid and Press Your Luck. She often used game shows as a tool to teach her grandchildren trivia. She was also an extremely enthusiastic sports fan, and in her heyday a fierce competitor.  Evette was a die-hard Lakers fanatic and she let everyone know it--proudly wearing her golden-purple lettered sweatshirt for any occasion. As a college women’s basketball coach for many years, she was ecstatic when the WNBA was established, frequenting games at Madison Square Garden.  Although basketball was indeed special to her, Tennis was above all her sport. Whether competing in tournaments herself as a singles or doubles player, Evette truly enjoyed a dynamic tennis match. Like many, Venus and Serena Williams were her all-time favorite players. She attended the U.S. Open in New York on several occasions to see the Williams’ sisters and many other tennis professionals. She additionally loved to play pool and would dare anyone to challenge her capabilities, especially men.  Her confidence was unmatched and her athletic ability effervescent.

Evette enjoyed telling stories and laughing a lot with her family and friends. Richard Pryor was her favorite comedian and she loved Diana Ross, often singing her lyrics with much animation.  Her favorite color was green and she even owned a 1974 green Corvette as a young adult.  Evette was vivacious, witty and a super smart lady. To her daughters, she was an angel, a protector, a fighter and most importantly a wonderful mother.  She will be deeply missed.

SERVICES:

Evette Maria Dickerson will be Cremated on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 in Atlanta, GA. A private ceremony will be held in Hawaii at a later date.  "In lieu of flowers," please donate to a cause of your choice that educates minority and underpriviledged youth. 













December 27, 2023
December 27, 2023
What can I say to my dear dear sister you are truly missed and today it's your birthday but it's your heavenly birthday . I shouldn't be sad but it hurts so bad we were getting so close hanging out I really miss you sis.
December 27, 2023
December 27, 2023
Happy born day mama. I love you more than my life. Want to see you.
August 3, 2023
August 3, 2023
Four years later, it still feels so surreal. You're missed beyond words.
May 3, 2023
May 3, 2023
Hello sis I reached 75 last week can you believe it I know you and I would have had a good time I miss you and think of you often I always thought the six of us would live forever I'm sure you're with Mom and Aunt Frieda you all are watching over all of us and say hello to Robert and Ron love you girl
December 27, 2022
December 27, 2022
Happy Heavenly birthday, Mommy. We miss you every day!
December 4, 2022
December 4, 2022
Hello my sweet sweet sister I know that you're resting in the arms of our Lord and savior. I've been thinking about you a lot lately that beautiful smile are conversations we have when I called you and you answered the phone. I love you dearly sister I've been through some ups and downs since you left us I would have loved to have shared the story of my visit to Washington DC to meet up with congressman I know you would have been a great support. I don't think anybody knows the love that we shared Yvette you always was so proud of me all that I've been through you understood. Never knew that I would be here without you it's been a journey for me I can't believe it. But I know that God has a plan for me and one day I will be seeing you again we can sit back and laugh talk about our children and our great-grandchildren we both hear tender Love for our children I know did you have already seek out Ron and Robert and you're telling stories about your mom. Keep looking down on us and keeping us safe much love much love. I will always have that amazing time that you talked us into trying out for the Steve Harvey show. I know we must have been picked you might have just missed the phone call to come back but you pushed us to the limits girl and we really enjoyed the journey.
October 4, 2022
October 4, 2022
Going to Morgan’s Homecoming with Evette on my mind. 
August 3, 2022
August 3, 2022
No one could bring sunshine to our lives like Evette! She would sing from her heart and brighten our days with that effervescent smile.
August 3, 2022
August 3, 2022
I miss you immensely. I pray that you are resting well.
June 4, 2022
June 4, 2022
Hello sister
Tomorrow I'll be going to Washington DC with Yuceff we are going to be part of the Care organizations annual conference organization as quest how I wish you were here.
May 8, 2022
May 8, 2022
Happy Heavenly Mother's Day!! You are loved and missed deeply!
January 3, 2022
January 3, 2022
Hello Evette just remember how you tricked me and your cousin to try out for family feud even thou we didn't make the show we had a awesome time hanging out. I love and miss you sis.
December 27, 2021
December 27, 2021
Happy Birthday, Mommy!! I Miss you so much!!! Xoxo
December 27, 2021
December 27, 2021
Missing my “cheerleader partner; friend; roommate! Happy Birthday 
October 3, 2021
October 3, 2021
Missing your beautiful smile you are at peace now continue to watch over your family. I know that you are with your two mom's.
October 3, 2021
October 3, 2021
My sweet sister you're brother's Edwin, Bernard, Robert and sisters Alice and Roberta miss you so much we didn't get to say goodbye and we will always have that feeling of lost. RIP sweetie
July 3, 2021
July 3, 2021
I love you more than life. I miss you and wish you were here. I need your hugs and kind, encouraging words. I love you.
December 28, 2020
December 28, 2020
Happy Birthday and holidays to you. I know you’re at peace and that means a lot to friends and family. Sorry I didn’t get to tell you I love you but I do and I know we will meet again Cultured Girl..
August 2, 2020
August 2, 2020
Yes, I am a day early. It is so demented to know that you have been gone for a whole year. They say time flies when you are having fun, but so does when you are not having fun. I will not write a lengthy post as my intimate feelings for you are reserved for me only. Yet, I will say that you are truly loved and missed immensely. There is NOT a day on earth that I don't think of you! A wonderful MOTHER, friend, daughter, and woman you were. You were loved while you were here on earth and will continue to be in your afterlife. I trust that you are enjoying heaven and got to meet Kobe! Until we meet again, you rest well, and I hope you are happy!
July 16, 2020
July 16, 2020
I met Evette in 1969 when I moved into the Dorm at Morgan State. She was a cheerleader and I was a 2nd semester freshman from Richmond, Va. Long story short, I made the cheerleading squad; we became roommates and friends for life! I met her Mom on the phone; knew when Nikki was born; and once she graduated and attended Grad school in Indiana. I visited her in Florida when she worked at Miami Dade. When I got married in 1978 she was my bridesmaid and her Mom attended the wedding as well. Whenever we lost touch over the years, I called her Mom to check in. When we last spoke she told me her legs were swollen and we shared concerns about our other college roommate.  I did not know that would be the last time we talked. I found out via the internet that she was deceased. I was devastated and could not stop crying. 
Brenda Harris Burt MSU 1969-1973
July 4, 2020
July 4, 2020
Sister
I really miss you I didn’t get to say good bye. But we talked three weeks before God took you home for a hour. For Some reason we talked about our pass the ups and downs. You always told me how proud you were of me being a survivor of so many tragedies in my life. You were my baby sister and my hero. Love and miss you.
July 4, 2020
July 4, 2020
Evette
I miss you so much sweetie I done everything we talked about moved to Houston had my own one bedroom apartment. I wish you could be here to come and visit. I did have a apartment fire lost everything. But I’m still here thank God. Some times I cry but than I was thankful for the last three that we got closer as sisters.
Sleep well my beautiful baby sister.love Roberta
Page 1 of 2

Leave a Tribute

Light a Candle
Lay a Flower
Leave a Note
 
Recent Tributes
December 27, 2023
December 27, 2023
What can I say to my dear dear sister you are truly missed and today it's your birthday but it's your heavenly birthday . I shouldn't be sad but it hurts so bad we were getting so close hanging out I really miss you sis.
Her Life

Happy Birthday Mommy

December 27, 2019
It's hard to believe that today would have only been your 69th birthday.  It's hard to believe that you are not here for me/us to wish you a very Happy Birthday.  It's hard to believe there will be no more movie dates on your birthday.  It's all so hard to grasp. It's hard to believe that you're not here to ask me to make your favorite dessert, banana pudding. Never thought there would not be more opportunities.  I remember last year, you told me that you found a restaurant in Atlanta that made banana pudding, but "it couldn't touch mine."  And, you even told the owner of the restaurant that it was good, but "couldn't touch your daughter, Nikki's."  You were pretty clear about your likes and dislikes.  Banana Pudding was one of those desserts that you would ask me to make for any and all occasions.  No matter the size of the dish, it was never large enough.  I'd put some aside for you for later even though you would eat pudding until your stomach hurt. On Thanksgiving, you would ask that I make two dishes, one for you only, and one for everyone else. Lol. It was serious for you, and everybody knew it.  This year, was very different without you. Though you weren't here to make your special request, I was thankful, and honored your spirit with a banana pudding. Never did I imagine, these past two years would be so life changing. I thought we had more time. More Thanksgivings, Christmas', birthdays... more puddings. There was more to see, to do, experience. It's hard to believe that you're not here to celebrate your day...to read your cards, open gifts, shoot pool, talk smack, take a walk, relax or enjoy your favorite dessert, BANANA PUDDING!  It's truly hard to believe. Love and miss you Mom. Xo

Fourteen Years Ago...

September 8, 2019
Not long after I got married, my mom would ask—"When are you going to give me a grandchild?”  Then she’d say, “Don’t get too old, now.”  Three years later, I became pregnant. My mom was so excited to be in the “I’m going to be a grandmother” club.  Her first-born was having a baby, and she was over the moon.  When I found out I was expecting, I was bursting to tell her and my grandmother. I wanted to surprise them both. My mom really loved surprises, and so do I.  It was such fun to witness because she would put on an act like she was hyperventilating and completely weakened from the surprise.  This time would be no different. The day after my sonogram, I went to see my mom who was visiting my grandmother to share the big news.  It was perfect, I could tell them both.

When I arrived, I handed my mom an envelope with the surprise ultrasound photo telling her that I received some mail for her at my house.  Needless to say, she bought the story.  She opened the mail, saw the image and started screaming, “Oh My God, Oh My God, Oh My God!”  My grandmother rushed into the kitchen from the other room to see what the commotion was all about, my mom yelled, “Nikki is having a BABY! “ Like a musical duo, they both began to shout, and before I knew it, we were all jumping up and down, hyperventilating and trying to keep the other from falling.  It was hysterical!!  My mom counted down the trimesters, months, days, and the hours.  The morning I went into labor, I called her to let her know we were headed to NYU Medical Center. She and my grandmother met us at the hospital.  Shortly after arriving at 7am, they joined us in the labor and delivery unit.  Along with the doctors, nurses and residents stood my mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and of course, Jeff.  It was reminiscent of an initiation, the whole clan coached me physically, rubbing my legs and emotionally with words of encouragement through the birthing process until I became part of the “mommy and me” club.  It was definitely awkward, but the pain was so excruciating and surreal, it didn’t matter who bared witness to my private affairs.  Besides after 17 hours of waiting, there was absolutely no way my mom was going to miss out on being a part of this highly-anticipated occasion. At 11:58pm, I finally delivered to a very anxious fan club.  It was a celebratory moment.  The minute Edison was born, my mom began hyperventilating and shouting.  Her first, grandbaby had arrived.  That was fourteen years ago.

Tomorrow will be Edison’s first birthdate without the presence of “Umi.” Whether celebrating at his parties, a phone call serenading Steve Wonder’s birthday song, or sending one of her “Umi” cards, her aura was felt. She was huge on birthday cards, always arriving two or three days early and never missing a year.  Though her grandkids could never shake any money out, they looked forward to receiving an “Umi” card.  Eventually, they would just mutter, “We got an “Umi’ card!"  The cards were corny, but extremely special.  Forever a kind note, words of wisdom or a tutorial of sorts on the blank side.  Her gift was in the personal message rather than a material present.  She never missed a birthday, in fact, she would often call me to remind me it was my sister’s birthday.  I’d say, “I know mom, thanks for the reminder.”  We will miss those reminders, birthday wishes and her most heartfelt “Umi” birthday cards.  Your special messages will live on forever in our hearts.  
Xo, Nikki



The White Jeep Wrangler

August 14, 2019
It was early 90’s when my mom bought her White Jeep Wrangler.  The license plate read, “GOTADOIT”.  She loved that car to pieces (post her 1974 green Chevy Corvette, of course). It was a really cool car, especially for a “Mom”.  After years of making trips to Washington, DC visiting me at Howard University, running my sisters around to their activities, and later to New Jersey to see her grandkids, Edison and Ellis, that speedometer racked up hundreds of thousands of miles.  Eventually, the gauge displayed just zeros. 

My mom had that car at least 20 years, for sure.  That was not unusual for her, she kept cars until the wheels damn near fell off.  She did everything to avoid monthly car payments. She’d get regular maintenance at the dealer while still under warranty, then find a neighborhood mechanic or even a relative who knew a thing or two about fixing cars. If you were a man, she figured you had to know something about cars, at least more than she did. The first time, she met my then boyfriend, now husband Jeff, she asked him if he knew about cars.  Cleverly, he answered with a question, “what do you need?”  Not the first-impression you want someone your dating to have with your mom on their initial encounter.  Needless to say, I was highly embarrassed. But, she was determined to find someone, anyone to help her with whatever she needed for the everlasting white Jeep.  

By this time, it was probably year 16 and the Jeep had begun to lose its steam.  It was a small favor, but nevertheless a fixer upper task.  My mom gave Jeff a screwdriver to fix her license plate that had fallen off.  The temporary window placement no longer served its purpose. Jeff did as any determined man would, he took pride in being a “mechanic for the day, to win over the heart of his potentially future mother-in-law. He gladly used the tool to reinstall the plate. After that moment, he knew he would be in for a ride with my family, and with a small gesture had succeeded in winning over my mom.  Naturally, Jeff still reminds me of that story 19 years later!

XO, Nikki



Recent stories

Lol

February 5
Yvette my dear dear sister Saturday was Ron's birthday we released balloons with notes in them I know you see him y'all are probably together please give him my love and tell him that his mother misses his dearly you both rest in peace I love you so much.

Missing you so much

January 6
Evette
I miss you so much you're beautiful smile and your silly laugh the last time we were together we must have talked all night about our childhood you had so much love for me you said how much you respected me from what life had brought me so many ups and downs. But you were stronger than me in every way a great mom a great sister and a wonderful grandma I only wish you could see how Micah has grown he's an awesome young man and he still remembers you you're resting now no longer in any pain I know I'll see you soon I love you

Invite others to Evette's website:

Invite by email

Post to your timeline