Reverend Leon Richard Dickerson

Pastor Leon Richard Dickerson was born December 27, 1936, in Columbia, South Carolina.  He was the beloved son of the late Frank and the late Mazie Boles Dickerson. He was married to the former Ethel L. Jones, and they had five children.  Pastor Dickerson had a deep love for family and friends, which was evident in his selfless giving.

Pastor Dickerson was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. He attended Columbia Commercial College and Southern Baptist Theological Extension Program. He served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1960.  After his discharge, he returned to Columbia, SC, and was a devoted worker for the United States Postal Service, retiring after 33 ½ years of service.

At an early age, Leon R. Dickerson was reared and taught the ways of God at Central Baptist Church, where he became a member. Before accepting God’s call into the ministry, he was a member of the Musical Choir, a Sunday School Teacher, Trustee, and Deacon Boards. Pastor Dickerson was honored to be a spiritual leader at several churches during his lifetime. He was an Assistant Pastor and Pastor at First Corinthian Baptist Church; an Assistant Pastor at Laurel Street Baptist Church and Moses Mission; a Pastor at Taylor Memorial Baptist Church; and his final pastorate at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church.  

Under Pastor Dickerson’s leadership at Mt. Pilgrim, the church experienced spiritual growth as well as an expansion of facilities. During his tenure, the Church Aid and Deaconess Ministries were organized; a Program Director was appointed; a Bus Ministry was started; a Prayer Intercessors Group, Drama Club, Youth in Action Group, and a scholarship program were instituted. These are just a few of the highlights of his tenure at Mt. Pilgrim. Pastor Dickerson retired from Mt. Pilgrim in 2004 after thirty-two years of dedicated service, and he was bestowed the title of Pastor Emeritus.

Pastor Dickerson was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and pastor to many.  

Pastor Dickerson was predeceased by his wife of forty-nine years, Ethel Dickerson, his son, Richard L. Dickerson, his brothers, Walter Dickerson and Charles Dickerson; brothers-in-law, Willie Ervin, Johnny Moss, and Charles Scott; and sisters-in-law, Ruby Dickerson, Jackie Dickerson, and Easter Dickerson.

Those left to cherish his legacy of love are his children; Cheryl Taylor, Darlene (Timothy) Thompson, Janet (Christopher) Nelums and Ronald Anderson, all of Columbia, South Carolina; his siblings, Clarence Dickerson, Marlene (James) Vickers, Gloria Moss, Dorothy Scott, all of Columbia, South Carolina and Vivian Erwin of Charlotte, North Carolina; 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 1 great great-grandchild, a host of nephews, nieces and other loving relatives and dear friends, all of whom will miss him dearly, but rejoice that he is resting with the Lord.

In honor of Pastor Leon R. Dickerson, we invite you to celebrate his legacy by making a meaningful gesture. Consider donating to NephCure Kidney International, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting those affected by kidney disease. Your generous contribution will help advance vital research and provide critical support to patients and families in need. Alternatively, if you’re able, giving flowers in Reverend Dickerson’s memory is a beautiful way to show your respect and admiration. Every act of kindness, whether through a donation or a thoughtful tribute, will honor his enduring impact and support the important work being done by NephCure.