Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Mildred Patricia Ann was born to her parents, Mary Ellis Moore and Nathaniel Lanier, on a cold winter day of love, February 14, 1936, in Oak Ridge, LA. Mildred's grandmother, Berta Harris, played a huge part in her upbringing, surrounding her with love and support. Mildred confessed to Christ at an early age with Rev. H.S. Carradine as Pastor of St. John Baptist Church. She remained a very faithful member throughout her life. She received her early education at the Oak Ridge Elementary School and graduated from Morehouse High School in the Class of 1954. While in high school she was active in the Athletic Department by serving as the basketball team's Record Keeper and at the concession stand. During the latter part of 1954 Mildred matriculated into Southern University AM&N College in Baton Rouge, LA. Taking part in many of the university's activities, she was always seen as an Usher for the Vesper Services. Mildred completed her studies in January 1958 earning a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Cupid made its appearance in the hearts of Mildred and Charles Dickerson and they wed on December 16, 1959. To this union two children were born, Rozalind and Walter. She was a young woman who would go on to touch the lives of thousands of young people as a mentor and educator. Mildred was involved in several community activities, service, civic, social, and political. Her affiliations included: Morehouse Parish Training School/Morehouse High School Reunion; Place' Aux Dames Civic and Social Club, Inc.; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (initiated 1979); Southern University Alumni Association, Bastrop-Morehouse Chapter and Louisiana Retired Teachers Association. Cherishing her memory with the greatest of love are her children, Rozalind Dickerson Cleaver (Michael) Dallas TX and Walter C. Dickerson Paris France; her siblings, Vearis Mae Atlas Bastrop LA, Howard Lanier and Dorothea Johnson (Edward Lee) Lafayette, LA; Doris Lanier Bedford Shreveport LA; two goddaughters, Courtney Smith and Bria Parker, as well as a host of relatives and dear friends. Mildred went home to be with the Lord on March 23, 2021. Her funeral services were March 27, 2021 at St. John Missionary Baptist Church Bastrop LA. To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heavens; a time to be born; a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted... Ecclesiastes 3:1-2