Christine Dickerson
"Why do people have to go around with such hate in their hearts? You have to forgive people so God will forgive you. We all need forgiveness, I know I do. I've sinned; we all sin." Christine Dickerson says these words as tears wet her determined eyes. She has spent her entire life on Charleston's West Side, devoted to her family, church, neighbors and fellow man. At 77, she is a testament of faith, humility and the fragility of humankind. Her words, her life and her love for people reflect God and the power of forgiveness.
As a little girl she would walk down the street to the small red brick Community Missionary Baptist Church she still attends today. She guesses she began attending around 4 years old. There she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school for 50 years and continues to lead the church's Mission Circle. She has also remained an active leader in the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Association and the Women's Missionary and Educational Convention for over 40 years.
As a mother to six, hairdresser, real estate agent, LPN and Hospice nurse, Christine has worked many jobs; but she found the most joy in motherhood and later, caring for the sick. "I met a family and you would've thought I was there for years and years, and I was only there for five days," she recalls. "Everyone told me, 'you're the person to do it' and I was. I was able to give the family the comfort they needed. I told them when I was there; it was time for them to relax."
She is incredibly proud of her contribution to Garnet High School reunions, which, as a 1946 alumnus, she helps coordinate. The high school closed in 1956 with the integration movement. She is determined not to let the Garnet name die. "When we were in school it was like a big family. Our teachers cared about us."
Christine rarely answers her phone during the day because she's out volunteering for AARP, working with numerous other organizations and bowling-her favorite hobby. To her, it's simple: "I just like to be doing something. I like people.I've had a lovely life."
