TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
Ernest M. Graves 1929–2021 Correction Officer, U.S. Navy
Baptist Church with his wife. They later moved their membership to Mount Zion Cathedral under the Lead Servant Bishop Awalski Moore. He remained faithful and active with various auxil- iaries (Men’s Ministry) until his health prevented him from attending. His love for history ignited his passion for making sure every eighteen-year- old was registered to vote, along with this, he was sure to inform anyone who yielded a listening ear about historic markers that made a difference. Over the years, he accumulated long-lasting friendships where he shared snippets of wisdom from “The Book of Dick.” A few favorites were: We know a thing or two because we have seen a thing or two! It is not how you open but how you close, not how you start but how you finish, not how you begin but how you end! and PPWW – Prayer, Praise, Worship and Works, the most important is your Works! On Tuesday, November 24, 2020, he peacefully entered the Chapter Invisible and joined with his redeemer in eternity. Reginald was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his memory a wife: Wanda Dickens; three children, Tawanna Dickens, Regina Dickens and Reginald (Jasmine) Dickens; one sister, Vanessa (Renardo) Gadie; four grandchildren, Kevin Calhoun, Jr., Nyla Dickens, Alyssa Grace Robbins and Champion Dickens and a host of cous- ins, other relatives, former students, and special friends. Gary T. Bowden, Steven E. (Deadra) Bowden, Columbia, SC; Gregory M. (Deidra) Bowden (Orangeburg (SC) Alumni 1996); granddaughter, Audrey S. Bowden; grandsons, Stevan R. Bowden, Gary C. Bowden and John T. Bowden, III, brother Gary A. (Sandra) Bowden (Xi 1961), and a host of close relatives and friends. Submitted by Collins Ivery
Reginald B. Dickens, Jr. 1958–2020 Educator, U.S. Army
Humble, comedic dedicated, and the epitome of un-
Ernest M. Graves (Beta Pi 1954), passed away peacefully with his children by his side. He was born on July 26, 1929 in Youngstown, OH, son of the late Mark
precedented swag, Reginald Dickens, Sr. (Beta Zeta 1978) lived his life on purpose and with intention. He was born into a home surrounded by Godliness and love, Reginald Dick- ens, Sr; the first of two children, born December 6, 1958, to the late Bonnie Charles and Mina Lee Myatt Dickens. At an early age, he accepted Christ at Cherry Street A.M.E Church in Dothan, AL. Dickens received his early education in the Dothan City Schools. He continued his post-secondary educa- tional studies at Alabama State Univer- sity, where he earned a B.A. degree in business administration and a master’s degree in education. Dickens shared his love for learning and teaching with Fairfield City Schools, Bessemer City Schools, Montevallo City Schools, and Midfield City Schools. He continued to share his teaching expertise beyond retirement by working with students at Central Park Christian School affiliated with The Rock Church in Birming- ham, AL. As an educator, he nurtured and supported his students, parents, and those in the community whom he encountered. He joined the active U. S. Army Reserve in 1984 and served his country until 1989. He received his Army Com- mendation Medal on June 25, 1989, as Sergeant Reginald Dickens, Sr., high- lighting his initiative, untiring efforts, and devotion to serving his country. On May 8, 1981, Reginald Dickens married the former Wanda Louise Dickens. The two became one, and this union was blessed with three children, Tawanna Dickens, Regina Dickens, and Reginald Dickens, Jr. When he moved to Birmingham, Alabama, he united with New Pilgrim
and Mary (Bullock) Graves. He attended Youngstown University. Brother Graves served in the United States Navy from 1947 to 1951, and received an honorable discharge for his service. Ernest worked as a Correction Officer for 14-years (1962-1976), starting at Green Haven Correctional Fa- cility in Stormville, then transferred to Matteawan Correctional in Beacon which later became Fishkill Correctional, where he later retired. Ernest enjoyed life and the simple things it brought. He loved reading, and the knowledge it brought him. He also loved music, and listening to the likes of Billy Eckstine, Diana Ross and many more. Most especially he enjoyed the time spent with his family, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Brother Ernest M. Graves is survived by his three children: Timothy Williamson, Leslie ‘Paula’ (George) McKenzie and Michael ‘Vance’ Graves; his children’s mother whom was his dear good- friend, Martha Williamson. He is also survived by his three grandchildren: Diamond (Marlon) George, Avanté Graves and Zamere McKenzie; his two great-grandchildren: Dream George and Marlow George; his four special cousins Joyce, Gina, Keith, Ann, and several nieces & nephews. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Daniel Bullock. Submitted by Solon K. Webb
68 | SPRING 2021 ♦ THE JOURNAL
Publishing achievement since 1914
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software