Lallie Barksdale “Penny” Dickens, 92, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at Pruitt Health in Ocilla, Georgia.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Thursday, June 22, 2017, at The Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald, with the Rev. Annette Brooks and Pastor Darrell Portwood officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, from 6 PM until 8 PM, at the funeral home in Fitzgerald.
Mrs. Dickens was born December 11, 1924, in Norwood, Georgia, to the late Maurice L. & Clyde Hill Barksdale. She graduated from Warren County High School. Mrs. Dickens lived in the community most of her life and worked by her husband’s side as a dental hygienist. In 1974, she was very instrumental in starting the ladies’ auxiliary known as the “Pink Ladies” and was the only original member still active. Mrs. Dickens was a member of the American Legion, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Ben Hill County Volunteer Fire Department, the Boat Club of Fitzgerald and the Camper’s Club. She enjoyed crocheting, needle point work and flower gardening. Mrs. Dickens toured the world with her husband and enjoyed going to the Ben Hill Senior Center. Mrs. Dickens was a former member of Pine Level United Methodist Church and a current member of St. Peters United Methodist Church.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews: Becky & Andy Portwood of Loganville, Tom & Joanne Barksdale of Ooltewah, Tennessee, Ed & Beverly Barksdale of Washington State, Betty Jean & Mark Forsythe of Washington State, Lallie & John Hughes of Washington State, Karen Spivey of Fitzgerald, Elaine & Ron Womack of La Fayette, Charlene Lankford of Fitzgerald and Kent & Caren Walker of Collierville, Tennessee and a sister-in-law, Betty Barksdale of Washington State. Sixteen great-nieces and great-nephews and twenty-two great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews also survive. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. James L. Dickens and four brothers.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may mail them to St. Peters United Methodist Church, c/o Rev. Annette Brooks, 114 Sunset Drive, Fitzgerald, Georgia, 31750; Fitzgerald/Ben Hill Humane Society, 106 Lions Park Road, Fitzgerald, Georgia, 31750 or the Ben Hill County Volunteer Fire Department, P O Box 1022, Fitzgerald, Georgia, 31750.