Pennie Ruth Williams Dickey

Obituary For Pennie Ruth Williams Dickey

Life Celebration Services:

The Viewing: Saturday, January 17, 2026 10:00-11:00AM at New Hope M. B. Church, 2614 13th Street, Meridian, MS 39301

Final Farewell: Saturday, January 17, 2026 11:00 AM at New Hope M. B. Church

Final Resting Place: Forest Lawn Memory Garden

February 14, 1933, was not only Valentine’s Day, but a day of celebration for the Williams household as a baby girl, Pennie Ruth, was welcomed into the family. Her father, Levi Williams, mother, Lou Bertha Charles Williams, two brothers, Howard Lee and Arthur Leo; two sisters, Lela Louise and Rellie Mae all proceeded her in death. “All the children are in”.

Pennie grew up in the Redline District and received her education in the Meridian Public School System. She attended school at the Meridian Baptist Seminary during kindergarten and first grade and transferred to Wechsler Junior High where she graduated from the 8th grade in 1945. Then on to Harris Senior High where she graduated as valedictorian in 1949. Pennie attended Jackson State College on a full scholarship and graduated with honors in 1953 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Science Education. She later attended Clark Atlanta University and earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science in 1961.

Pennie married Jerome Carl Dickey of Brookhaven, MS on September 9, 1953. Together they were blessed with two daughters, Ruth Lorraine, Yolanda Faye, and one son, Jerome Carl Jr, who passed the day after his birth. In 1957, the young family moved to Natchez where they both began their careers in education. Pennie’s early years in the Natchez Adams County Public School System were spent teaching mathematics. After earning her Master’s Degree in Library Science, she transitioned into the field that would define much of her professional life – school librarianship. She served as a librarian in both the public schools and at Natchez College, where she also taught and contributed to the academic community.

During her time in Natchez, Pennie achieved a historic milestone as the first African American appointed to the Board of Directors for the Adams County Public Libraries. She remained in Natchez until 1990, returning to Meridian following the passing of her husband. From 1990 to 1995, Pennie continued her service in education as a librarian in the Meridian Public School System. She retired in 1995, closing a distinguished career marked by dedication, quiet strength, and a deep commitment to learning.

Pennie accepted Christ at an early age and began her Christian journey at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. After moving to Natchez, she became an active member at Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church. At both churches, she served faithfully in many capacities – Sunday School teacher, Deaconess, member of the BTU Missionary Society, the Senior Choir, Transportation and Kitchen Ministries. Whatever the role, Pennie gave her best and served with a willing heart.

Although her love for Christ always came first, Jackson State University and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held a special place in her life. She was a Lifetime Member of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association and an active participant in the Meridian Chapter. Pennie supported chapter banquets, fundraisers, scholarships, and of course, JSU football. She and her sister, Rellie -- affectionately known as “The Williams Sisters”, held season tickets and parking passes for all JSU home games until 2020. Through the National Alumni Association, Pennie also volunteered with workshops designed to help high school students seeking scholarships. She took great joy in helping young people pursue their education and guiding them toward opportunities that could shape their future. Pennie’s favorite Bible verse is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. That is demonstrated in the various activities in which she was involved. She attributed her longevity to being actively involved with others, loving and nurturing people, and living right with a stress-free life.

Pennie was the last living of the six charter members of the Delta Pi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., established at Jackson State College in 1952. She remained active in Delta throughout her life—participating in events while living in Natchez and later joining the Meridian Alumnae Chapter after returning home. A Golden Life Member, she served as President of the Meridian Alumnae Chapter from 1993-1995. She previously held roles including Financial Secretary and Sargent-at-Arms. She hosted the Sisterhood Breakfast from 2000-2019 and chaired numerous committees over the years. Her legacy in Delta Sigma Theta continues through her youngest daughter, Yolanda Faye, who also pledged Delta at JSU in the same chapter her mother helped charter.

In addition to JSU and the Deltas, Pennie was active in many community organizations. She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, the Meridian Chapter of National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club (NANBPWC), Mississippi Homemakers, Relay for Life, Girl Scouts, NAACP, Lauderdale County Election Polls, Order of Eastern Star, Council of Organizations, the Mississippi Meridianites Club, Habitat for Humanity, The Wechsler Community Arts Center, and The Wechsler Nutrition Site for Seniors.

Her father told her that if there is something you can do to help a program or activity develop to its fullest and did not pitch in to help, she would be letting down her “Father in Heaven”. Pennie said maybe that is why she always loved to volunteer. She did not pretend to be good at everything, but she was a willing worker. She loved helping people.

Pennie was a loving servant, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, godmother, club member, and friend. She was very caring and thoughtful with everyone. She did not meet a stranger and always let her light shine for Jesus. Her favorite saying was “Love others and treat everyone as you want to be treated”.

On Saturday, December 27th, 2025, the Lord gently called Pennie home to eternal rest. Surrounded by family and love, she slipped away with the same quiet grace that marked her life. She will be greatly missed but her memory will be in our hearts and minds forever. Cousin Byron said “Heaven just got a whole lot sweeter. Unc and the rest of her Heavenly family have been waiting a long time for Aunt Pennie”. My friend Eleanor said” Aunt Mae is saying…Pennie, it’s about time. Took you long enough to get in here.” Pennie’s memory and love will be most cherished by her daughter Lorraine Nelson and husband Vincent (Rialto, CA); her daughter Yolanda Faye Patton and husband Bobby (Tampa, FL); her grandsons, Joseph Singleton (Fontana, CA) and his children, Joseph Singleton IV, Christopher Kane Singleton, and Jasmyn Romo; Chris Singleton and wife Brittney (McKinney, TX) and their daughter Bristol; Vincent D Nelson (Rialto, CA) and his children Nevaeh and Ayden; her great-great grandchildren, Aliyah Washington and Maison Clay; her sisters-in-law, Earline Dickey and Lizzie Dickey, (Brookhaven MS) a host of nieces and nephews; her caregiver of 4-1/2 years, Irma Garrido; her godchildren, Casandra Sloan and husband Lionel, Rillinda Windham and husband Lee, Josh Sloan and wife Rachel, and the Dean Family (Alfonso, Hortensia, Jasmine, Jarrell, Noah, and Dominic) and lots of cousins and friends.

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”

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