Ora Purnell

SPENCER – The last of 5 children born to Onnie and Willie Rowe of Franklin County, Ora Rowe Dickerson Pernell, age 89, joined her family in heaven on May 25, 2023. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Russell Dickerson and husband, J P Pernell; and her son, Kelly Dickerson.

Born November 26, 1933, in the Gold Sand Community in Franklin County, Ora moved to Rocky Mount in 1954. An employee for Sears for over 30 years, a member of Falls Road Baptist Church and Arlington Baptist Church, Ora will be greatly missed as she was loved by family and many friends. For 30 years Sears, Roebuck consumed much of Ora’s time. She was Personnel Director and so many local high school and college students began their employment career with Sears. Ora was an amazing cook. Her cakes and pies were her specialty. If you were fortunate to sit at her table, she prepared an abundant meal. Later years after retirement, Ora would oversee events and meals at Arlington Baptist Church. Many did not know, but Ora was an accomplished seamstress. Finding a pattern and needed materials to her liking, Ora made sewing look easy. No matter what she made for herself, or what she purchased to wear, Ora always found the matching scarf to compliment the outfit. When it became physically impossible to sew and eventually Ora had to move to a nursing facility, her sewing materials including buttons, zippers, fabric, etc. were shipped to the Dominican Republic and are being used at a girls orphanage to meet the needs of the girls – Ora’s sewing interest lives on. Ora loved travelling, whether it was in the United States or internationally. She loved the company of her sister, Ruth, plus other lady friends. She loved Italy and was fond of Paris and London and never tired from touring Europe. Many fun times travelling with her lady friends and those hilarious adventures Ora remembered well. Ora faithfully served on Sundays as the teacher for her ladies Bible class. So much time was spent in her lesson preparation which resulted in easy application of Biblical truths. For years, Ora shepherd the older ladies, and though some were younger than her, she still referred to all of them as “old ladies”. Lastly, and certainly the most important, Ora loved her family. Many events in which her children and grandchildren were participating, Ora would be present whether it was a sporting event, a recital or a school function; “Mother or Grandma” would be present. Holidays were full of laughter, and “Grandma’s” house was the place to be on Christmas Eve. A HUGE meal preceded the opening of presents. Until that day when we are all reunited together forever, Ora will be greatly missed. We love you and are eternally grateful for your legacy.

Ora is survived by her children, Kenny Dickerson (Celia), Kathy Dickerson Sanders (Lynn), and Keith Dickerson (Janice); her seven grandchildren; and her seven great-grandchildren.

A Graveside Service to celebrate Ora’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 1:00 M at Rocky Mount Memorial Park with Rev. Jeff Hedgepeth officiating. The family will be available to receive friends and relatives immediately following the graveside service.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.