Mother Dickey

Lorene Mildred Dickey was born on November 12, 1932, in Lamar County Georgia to her parents, Turner Spear and Nettie Spear. Lorene was the youngest of thirteen children. As a child, she was always loving, caring and helpful to her family; she was very close to her parents. She lived with her parents until she got married at the age of 30. She was the youngest sibling, but she was the primary care giver of both her mother and father. Lorene was so caring she also took care of many of her nieces and nephews while her older siblings worked. She worked hard in and around the family's large farm house. In June 1962, she married her husband, Clifford Dickey. In December 1962, the couple relocated to Colorado with her first born daughter, Dorothy Austin. She really loved Colorado, but she would often visit her home state, she said she would always remain in Colorado. She often said, "My master brought me here and he still has work for me to do here." She became a widow on May 6, 1970, when her husband's health took a turn for the worst. She never remarried. Two years later, she gave birth to her second daughter Gloria Dickey. Lorene always said she had two church homes, Unity Church of God In Christ under the leadership of the late Superintendent Lamar and Missionary Odie Kennedy, which she started attending in 1990 and Christ Lutheran Church, with the leading of Pastor Paul Biedenbender. She joined Christ Lutheran Church in 1999. She was a faithful member, serving as a greeter and encourager. She was dearly loved by everyone in the ministry and they lovingly called her "Great Grand Grandma." One of the ministers at the church said, "She's a pillar/ founding mother to the church." She loved the Lord. In Lorene's free time, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, watching television shows like, "Texas Ranger" and "Matlock." She also enjoyed reading, dancing and listening to music. Lorene will be remembered for her hats, hugs and jokes. Even during some of the most difficult times, she would find a way to smile. She would often say, "Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying." Lorene was given the nickname "Sport" by her friends. She will be dearly missed by her best friend, Nomai Crowe. In 2013, due to some health issues Lorene moved in with her eldest daughter, Dorothy. Dorothy cared for her mother as if she was a queen, waiting on her hand and foot and handled all her affairs. Lorene was strong willed and sometime challenging but Lorene felt and heard the love of her daughter daily. Prior to her departing this earth, she let Dorothy know just how much she appreciated all she had done for her. Her face would light up when her granddaughter, Latanya would call her. "Ram'o" and her grand grandson, Vontae would call her, "Nana." They would bring her food and treats almost every day. The family remembers Lorene for vacationing, and dancing. They truly enjoyed their time spent making homemade biscuits and pies with her. She always maintained her great sense of humor, a genuine laugh that sparkled, and a quick smile that remained throughout all her days. Lorene was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Dickey; her parents, Turner and Nattier Spear; seven brothers, James Dixson, Horses Dixson, Hosa Dixson, Melton Spear, J.D. Spear, T. J Spear, Sirlounia Spear; two sisters, Laura May Spear, Lucida Spear and her grandson, Clifton Austin. Lorene Mildred Dickey departed this life on March 21, 2017 in Aurora, Colorado. Praising, worshiping and praying for her family, with her granddaughter Latanya by her side who said in her 42 years of living she had never seen her worship and praise God like that before. Those left to cherish her memory include; her two daughters, Dorothy Austin and Gloria Dickey both of Aurora; two sisters, Fannie Mae Lyons, and Nattie C. Spear both of Georgia; six grandchildren, Lee ( Jackie) Austin, Latanya Austin, Devondus Johnson, Deshae Gilkey, Dyonta Sigarst, and Deaveon Sigarst; 14 great grandchildren, Daniedra Austin, Lee Austin, III, Kiashaw Austin, Auschni Austin, Clifton Austin, Vratanya Austin, Alaja Austin, Isaiah Austin, Janasia Johnson, Najee Hoffman, Nasir, Hoffman, Ahsonie Sigarst, Dejah Sigarst and Vontae Turner, all of Aurora, five great- great grandchildren, Kaliyah Austin, Nayshon Austin, Dalesiea McGee, Aleena Austin, Donshae Goff; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, others relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 3/30/2017 at 9:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 3/30/2017 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 3/30/2017 at 2:00 PM - Ft. Logan National Cemetery - 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 3/25/2017 - Pipkin Braswell Reception Center - 2428 Ogden Street, Denver, CO