Obituary for Ernest Edward "Killer" Dickerson
On Saturday, September 10, 2022, surrounded by his loving family, Ernest Edward Dickerson, beloved and devoted husband and father, departed this earthly life at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, after a brief illness.
Born on April 25, 1949, in Accomack County Virginia, Ernest was the beloved son of the late Elmer and Gracie Dickerson. He was educated in the Accomack County Public School System until he was drafted into the Army to serve his country in Vietnam on March 11, 1969. The Army recognized and awarded him with several medals and commendations. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, W/2 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, W/1960 Device Combat Infantryman Badge (1st Award), 2 Overseas Bars, Marksman and Sharpshooter Medals. After serving his duty in Vietnam, Ernest returned to the States and continued serving as an Army Reservist for many years.
After marrying his high school sweetheart, Terry Northan of Parksley Virginia, Ernest moved his wife and young daughter, Sharon “Buffy” to Chester, Pennsylvania. He became employed as a welder with Sun Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company until 1989, when the company closed. During his time as a welder, he and his adoring wife were blessed with three more children, Ernest Jr. “Mann,” Shakia “Kia” “Sugar Bear," and Tykeisha “Woman” who brought great joy to his life.
Through the years, Ernest worked several other jobs while raising his family but the one that brought him the most joy was working as a bartender at Redavis. There he earned the nickname "Killer" for his ability to create one of a kind, strong, and satisfying libations for his customers who came to see him from far and near.
His favorite hobbies were traveling and spending time with his family, cooking and barbecuing for his friends. Most of all being the best “Pop Pop” ever by creating memories and enjoying life to the fullest with his five grandchildren, who made his life complete. He was a friend to everyone he met and he never knew a stranger. He lived his life fully and purposefully with his caring and giving ways and infectious smile. Everyone looked up to him and he was a positive role model for not only his family, but for others as well.
Ernest was preceded in death by his brothers, Elmer Dickerson and Milton Dickerson.
He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of fifty-two years, Terry Dickerson; four beautiful children, Sharon (Jose) Rico, Ernest Northan, Shakia Northan, and Tykeisha Dickerson, all of Chester, PA; five adoring grandchildren, Tybre Dublin, Kayla Brown, Mekhi Rico, Brukia Thomas, and Jasir Corbin, all of Chester PA; three sisters, Lula Dickerson, Lincebell (Vernon) Downing, both of Mappsville, VA, and Caroline White of Gargatha, VA; four brothers, Linwood Dickerson of Salisbury MD, Roger Dickerson, Walter Dickerson, both of Parksley VA, and Winfred Dickerson of Wilmington, DE; five sisters-in-law, Doris Edwards of Parksley, VA, Lula Mae (David) Satchell of Accomac, VA, Celestine (Willie) Hargis, Gloria Pettit, and Patricia Bibbins, all of Parksley VA; six brothers-in-law, Alfred Lewis Northan of Savageville, VA, Robert “Bird Man” Northan, Ernest “Ricky” Northan, both of Parksley VA, David (Gwen) Northan, of DE, Keith Wharton of Accomac, VA, and Reginald “Reggie” Riddick of Chester, PA; and a host of nieces, nephews and close friends who will cherish his memory forever.
Born on April 25, 1949, in Accomack County Virginia, Ernest was the beloved son of the late Elmer and Gracie Dickerson. He was educated in the Accomack County Public School System until he was drafted into the Army to serve his country in Vietnam on March 11, 1969. The Army recognized and awarded him with several medals and commendations. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, W/2 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, W/1960 Device Combat Infantryman Badge (1st Award), 2 Overseas Bars, Marksman and Sharpshooter Medals. After serving his duty in Vietnam, Ernest returned to the States and continued serving as an Army Reservist for many years.
After marrying his high school sweetheart, Terry Northan of Parksley Virginia, Ernest moved his wife and young daughter, Sharon “Buffy” to Chester, Pennsylvania. He became employed as a welder with Sun Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company until 1989, when the company closed. During his time as a welder, he and his adoring wife were blessed with three more children, Ernest Jr. “Mann,” Shakia “Kia” “Sugar Bear," and Tykeisha “Woman” who brought great joy to his life.
Through the years, Ernest worked several other jobs while raising his family but the one that brought him the most joy was working as a bartender at Redavis. There he earned the nickname "Killer" for his ability to create one of a kind, strong, and satisfying libations for his customers who came to see him from far and near.
His favorite hobbies were traveling and spending time with his family, cooking and barbecuing for his friends. Most of all being the best “Pop Pop” ever by creating memories and enjoying life to the fullest with his five grandchildren, who made his life complete. He was a friend to everyone he met and he never knew a stranger. He lived his life fully and purposefully with his caring and giving ways and infectious smile. Everyone looked up to him and he was a positive role model for not only his family, but for others as well.
Ernest was preceded in death by his brothers, Elmer Dickerson and Milton Dickerson.
He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of fifty-two years, Terry Dickerson; four beautiful children, Sharon (Jose) Rico, Ernest Northan, Shakia Northan, and Tykeisha Dickerson, all of Chester, PA; five adoring grandchildren, Tybre Dublin, Kayla Brown, Mekhi Rico, Brukia Thomas, and Jasir Corbin, all of Chester PA; three sisters, Lula Dickerson, Lincebell (Vernon) Downing, both of Mappsville, VA, and Caroline White of Gargatha, VA; four brothers, Linwood Dickerson of Salisbury MD, Roger Dickerson, Walter Dickerson, both of Parksley VA, and Winfred Dickerson of Wilmington, DE; five sisters-in-law, Doris Edwards of Parksley, VA, Lula Mae (David) Satchell of Accomac, VA, Celestine (Willie) Hargis, Gloria Pettit, and Patricia Bibbins, all of Parksley VA; six brothers-in-law, Alfred Lewis Northan of Savageville, VA, Robert “Bird Man” Northan, Ernest “Ricky” Northan, both of Parksley VA, David (Gwen) Northan, of DE, Keith Wharton of Accomac, VA, and Reginald “Reggie” Riddick of Chester, PA; and a host of nieces, nephews and close friends who will cherish his memory forever.