Lillian M. Dickens

Lillian M. Dickens, 94, of Sioux City, passed away Sunday, October 12, 2014 at a local hospital. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at Grace United Methodist Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service time. Private burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Online condolences can be directed to meyerbroschapels.com. Lillian Dickens was born on an Archer, IA farm on January 24, 1920, to Carl V. Akeson Sr. and Olga Haese Akeson. She graduated from Archer Consolidated School in 1937, and earned an Executive Secretaries certificate from the National Business Training School in 1939. She was employed at Morningside College and the National Business Training School after graduation. Later she was employed by the Sioux City Community School District for 24 years as a secretary for Longfellow School. Lillian married James "Al" Dickens on October 26, 1941. They spent almost 50 years together before he passed away on August 19, 1991. Lillian enjoyed crafts and playing golf. She played bridge with several, local groups. She kept her mind sharp by completing Sudoku and crossword puzzles. She listened to every broadcast of the Sioux City Explorers. She enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune daily, and also Lawrence Welk. A devoted member of Grace United Methodist Church since 1945, she volunteered as a church librarian for a number of years. She was an active member of the Elco Garham Study Club, and many other groups sponsored within the church. However, it was her devotion to her family that she deeply enjoyed the most. Lillian thrived on the time she spent with her family, and consistently put family first above all. She loved them deeply, and patiently enjoyed learning what was new and meaningful to them. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Grace United Methodist Church. She is survived by her son, Charles (Virginia) and her son, Robert, both of Sioux City, IA, and her daughter, Carol George of O'Fallon, MO. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, from Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota and Colorado. Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Sr. and Olga; her husband, Al; her two brothers, Carl Jr. and Orval; her two sisters-in-law, Merna and Doris; and her son-in-law, Steven George.