November 4, 2023
Hattie Emaline Johnson Dickens, age 74 of Smithville, passed away November 1, 2023 at NHC Healthcare in Smithville. She was a Christian and faithful and active member of Smithville First Free Will Baptist Church where she served in many roles over the years, with her favorites being Sunday school teacher and director of the church Christmas play. She was born November 23, 1948 to her parents, the late Henry Jackson Johnson and Helen Emaline Pack Johnson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters Orgie Dean Bates, Doris Adams, Jo Dean Moore and brothers Willie James Johnson and Jewel Brown Johnson. Mrs. Hattie is survived by her husband, Leonard Dickens; daughter Katrina (Kenny) Cubbins and son Len Dickens (Tammy Hood) all of Smithville. Grandchildren Kelly (Nathan) Lawson, Kyra (Daniel) Juneau, Lenzi (Jarrett) Adams and Madison (Cody) Wagner. Great grandchildren Brayden Juneau, Bella Hutchins, Haivynn Overton, Camron Juneau, Kylie Juneau, Wrennen Welch, Andrew Lawson, Emma Jo Wagner, and Katie Beth Lawson all of Smithville. Also survived by sisters Betty Bell of Murfreesboro, Ann (John) Bickford of Spencer and brother Willie Henry Johnson of Smithville, and special longtime best friend Faye Ryan of Brentwood. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Her family has honored her request to be cremated with a brief Memorial service held on Sunday, November 5th, 2023 at 2:00 pm with visitation from 1:00 pm until the time of the service at 2:00 pm at Smithville First Free Will Baptist Church, with Bro. Andy Patterson officiating. In addition to flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the SFFWBC building fund or the American Cancer Society in memory of Mrs. Hattie. Mrs. Hattie’s family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to all the wonderful people at NHC Smithville and at Gentiva Hospice for the love and care shown to Mrs. Hattie. Dekalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements