Eleanor was born in Kokomo, Mississippi and spent her early years in Liberty, Satartia, Sunflower and Camden where she graduated in 1953. Growing up around education, her dad served as principal of the school and her mom was one of her teachers. Eleanor had many talents; playing basketball, painting, sewing and singing, and was crowned Homecoming Queen at her Junior College.
Eleanor married Bobby Ray Dickerson in 1954. The young couple lived in Hattiesburg where their first child was born. Over the next 15 years they welcomed 5 children, living in Canton and Tupelo before settling in Clinton. They later built a home just outside Clinton in Sylwood Acres where they loved the beauty of the wooded land and the peaceful space they created together.
Eleanor’s career as an educator brought her great fulfillment. Receiving her Specialist’s degree, she began teaching in elementary schools in Clinton, Jackson, Ridgeland and Madison. She found her passion for early childhood development and went on to impact the lives of many young children in the Madison-Ridgeland area. She eventually served as principal of Madison Avenue Elementary School until her retirement.
Eleanor’s deep faith in Jesus Christ was a constant source of strength and joy and was a nurturing and faithful presence in the lives of many. She loved being a long-time member of Madison Methodist Church where she sang in the choir and participated in many ministries. She also sang with the Mississippi Chorus and treasured the additional opportunity to travel and perform with the choir in Europe.
While at Madison Methodist Church she met Oscar Charles “Chuck” Dauenhauer, Jr. who would soon become her loving husband and companion. Together they shared many meaningful years of travel, friendships, faith and family. Eleanor would fill numerous photo albums of all the places they visited and friends they met along the way.
She also remained extremely close to her sister, Rebecca and brother, Bill and many cousins enjoying their monthly Rook card games and get-togethers, trips and annual Brantley Family reunions.
Eleanor is survived by her 5 children and their families: William Stanley Dickerson (Elisabeth) of Phoenix, Arizona; grandchildren: Jennifer (Mike), Kimberly (Chris) and Kevin (Julia); great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Penelope and Sophie; Robert Scott Dickerson (Bridget) of Cary, North Carolina; grandchildren: Joshua, Zachary and Luke; Brantley Steven Dickerson of Richton, Mississippi; Ronald David Dickerson of Atlanta, Georgia; and Laurie Eleanor (Dickerson) Jones (Matt) of Macon, Mississippi, grandchildren: Matthew (April), Benjamin, Jacob (Aimyia) and Claire (Mitch), great-grandchildren: Lukas and Lilith. Eleanor is preceded in death by her husband Bobby Ray Dickerson; sister, Rebecca Mood; brother, William Brantley; and husband Chuck Dauenhauer.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to her many loving neighbors and friends. Special thanks goes out to her committed home caregivers in Louisville who provided tireless service, attention, meals, personal care and sometimes a watchdog or counselor: Roxie Loving, Lueretha Glass, Carol Haynes, Danyell Logan and Kat Parker. We deeply appreciate the invaluable efforts of her physical therapist, Bell Moody of Louisville, who made sure Mom continued to enjoy dancing to her favorite big band music. We’re also grateful for the amazing help from Quality Hospice Care and Dr. Dustin Gentry. Our mom cherished you all, and the family is deeply grateful for your love and support.
An open Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 17th at Madison Methodist Church, 100 Post Oak Road, Madison, Mississippi 39110. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until service time at Madison Methodist Church; the service begins at 12 p.m. A private interment will follow afterwards.
Donations may be made in her memory to Madison Methodist Church. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
