Jill Dickey, 70, of Waco, TX went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Sunday, December 3, 2023, after a brief illness. Jill was born August 10, 1953, in Waco, TX to Warren Wilks Dickey and Bonnie Rivers Dickey.
Visitation: 5 – 7PM Friday, December 15 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel
Funeral Service: 2PM Saturday December 16 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel led by Pastor Kip Osborne with burial to follow at Prairie Hill Cemetery, Prairie Hill, TX with graveside services led by Pastor Charles Fisher
Jill graduated in 1971 from Robinson High School where she played on the volleyball team and excelled in choir. She attended McLennan County College on a music scholarship. In 1976, she received her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of North Texas where she was a member of Kappa Delta. Her elementary teaching career began in Houston ISD at North Forrest and continued in Pasadena ISD at Jessup and Teague. Jill was passionate about her career and implemented unique ideas to make learning fun for her students. She never married or had children, but considered her students her own and loved each one. Her fellow teachers were life-long best friends. They were blessed by her friendship and her humor. She had a talent for organizing and planning elaborate school events. A word would be said, or a thought come to mind, and Jill would suddenly burst into song. She loved watching football and passionately supported her favorite teams. Being patriotic she never failed to tell first responders or those who served that she appreciated their service.
After 34 years of teaching Jill retired in 2012 returning to Waco to enjoy her family. She devoted her time teaching Mom’s Sunday School Class, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, was an active member of Texas Retired Teachers Association, and was President of Central Texas Genealogical Society for seven years. She easily added more friends everywhere she went and valued each one. She loved her church families at both Western Heights and New Vision Family Fellowship. The last two years of Mom’s life, she moved in to personally care for her. She and APala were together most days attending local events, having lunch, or planning their next adventure. They enjoyed travelling and special visits with friends and family. She appreciated her brother-in-law Charlie, that she lovingly called “Bubba” who was always willing to do whatever she asked of him. She adored her niece and nephew and the greats who named her Aunt Precious.
Jill was preceded in death by her parents Warren and Bonnie Dickey and her precious cats Paisley and Gracie.
She is survived by her sister, APala Wilson and husband, Charlie; nephew, Craig Wilson and wife Melissa; niece, Charla Griffin and husband Bill; great nephews, Andrew Wilson and wife Sierra, Jonathan Griffin and wife Emily, and great niece, Landry Griffin. She is also survived by beloved cousins and a host of friends who she dearly loved.
Memorials may be made to Western Heights Baptist Church, 6301 Bosque Blvd, Waco, TX 76710 or New Vision Family Fellowship, P.O. Box 155527, Waco, Tx 76715.
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I just don’t have the words to say how much Miss Dickey meant to me. She taught me 5th grade at Jessup Elementary from 1980-1981. To say the least, she was by far the best teacher I have ever had. The entire class loved her and didn’t want to leave her at the end of the school year. I still remember all of the tears on that last day. She touched all of our lives, especially mine, and I will always cherish that year I had with her. She taught us so many things but my favorite was when she would bring her guitar and we would sing songs. I loved all the songs we sang but my favorite was “The Battle of New Orleans.” I still sing that song today and used to sing it to my sons when they were little. I remember she came to my birthday party and brought her guitar and we all sang. My friends that didn’t have her as their teacher were a little envious. I mean, what teacher comes to one of their students’ birthday parties? That is how special she made me feel. Miss Dickey had an impact on my life and I will never forget her. She was loved by me and all of her 5th grade class from 1980-1981.
Since I began working for the Waco-McLennan County Library’s genealogy Center in 2015, I have known Jill’s vibrant energy and wonderful sense of humor. Jill’s dedication as a volunteer and President of CTGS was incredible. As the warm and smiling face behind the sign-in table at our events, she made everyone feel welcome and recognized. Beyond her volunteer role, Jill was a truly caring person, forging friendships with library staff and patrons. Her legacy lives on in the countless memories we shared and the lasting impact she had on our community. Jill Dickey’s spirit, so full of warmth and generosity, will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love and gratitude of those whose lives she touched.
Till we meet again My Friend
Apala and Charlie I am so sorry to hear of Jill’s passing. May Gods Peace by with you and your family
Susan Janek
Jill was always sunshine! She was a delight to work with and get to know. She loved her family so much and was so proud of you all. I will miss you you “my friend”!
Gina Andrie
We were so sorry to learn of Jill’s passing; I had just seen her a couple of months ago. Asked her if she remembered me, ” of course I do – with her big smile”. We knew her from Western Heights, first knew Bonnie, and then were delighted to know Jill.
Jill had a good sense of humor, was outgoing, friendly, and lived the Christian life we should all strive for.
Our sympathy to all of her family; know Jill is in Heaven, but know you still feel the loss.
Anyone who knew Jill loved her precious personality and giving spirit. I will miss her so much. I feel honored to have taught with her and to be her friend. My prayers go out to your family. She will be truly missed.
Apala, we are sorry for your loss. Looking at the video clip of precious memories shows what a blessed life she led. Our paths crossed in September during our Branson trip. From that short trip I learned what a beautiful person Jill was. Prayers go out to you & family members as you grieve.
Irene & Dennis
Apala, we are sorry for your loss. Looking at the video clip of precious memories shows what a blessed life she led. Our paths crossed in September during our Branson trip. From that short trip I learned what a beautiful person Jill was. Prayers go out to you & family members as you grieve.