Evelyn Dickerson Obituary

Evelyn Dickerson

Rev. Dr. Evelyn Jorres Dickerson of Downers Grove, formerly of Shabbona and Hinsdale, passed away peacefully on August 19th, 2015.

Evelyn was born in 1925 in Glendale, California to Gladys and Gustave Jorres. They moved to Evanston Illinois in 1937 where Evelyn attended Evanston High School and Northwestern University's School of Speech. At Northwestern, she founded Women Off Campus (WOC) and was inducted into the Mortar Board Society. She graduated in 1947 with a B.S. in Speech and English.

While at Northwestern, Evelyn met George H. Dickerson whom she married in 1947. George and Evelyn, married 50 years, raised four children, Paul, David, Jeanne, and Anne.

In 1957 they moved to Hinsdale where Evelyn was Director of Preschool Education at Hinsdale Union Church from 1961 until 1976.

In 1976 Evelyn graduated from Chicago Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity Degree, and was ordained as Minister of Christian Education and Children at Union Church. She soon became known to all as "Rev Ev". In 1981 she was called to be Pastor at United Church of Christ in Shabbona, Illinois, where she served as Pastor for 11 years. She then served as Interim Pastor at four other UCC churches during the 1990s.

In 1992 Evelyn received a Doctor of Ministry degree from Chicago Theological Seminary. She also served for two years as Vice President and one year as President of the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ.

As a minister Evelyn had the pleasure of presiding over the weddings of two of her children (Dave and Jeanne); her nephew, Charlie; and grandniece, Erin; she also baptized all of her eight grandchildren.

Evelyn was a trailblazer; Becoming a female ordained minister in the 1970's. was a rarity. She was an influential mentor to many women who wished to enter the ministry.

Evelyn will be remembered by many for her warm heart and generous spirit. She demonstrated love and gratitude in everything she did. She opened her home to care for others, including her father-in-law, aunt, sister, and individuals in need. Evelyn's quiet strength made her a good leader and mentor. Her wit and good sense of humor brought joy to many. And, her loving smile will be missed.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys & Gus Jorres; husband, George H. Dickerson; and sister, Alberta Goff.

She is survived by her four children, Paul (Beth), David (Mary), Jeanne and Anne; her eight grandchildren, Steven (Kenzie), Amy Rettberg (Adam), Matthew (Lauren), Lisa Krebs, Benjamin, Michelle Krebs, Timothy, George; and two great grandchildren, Evelyn and Lily Rettberg.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on September 13th, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1047 Curtiss St. Downers Grove 60515.

Memorials may be made to either: Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ, 1840 Westchester Blvd, Suite 200, Westchester, IL 60154, or Northern Illinois Food Bank, 273 Dearborn Court, Geneva, IL 60134.

For more information go to www.toonfuneralhome.com. 630-968-0408