Joseph Thomas Dickerson Jr.

Joseph Thomas Dickerson Jr. was born on June 13,1957 in Pocahontas, Virginia, to Joseph Thomas Dickerson Sr. and Louise Dickerson. Joseph grew up in the small town of Maybeury, West Virginia. He attended the McDowell County Public Schools and was a 1976 graduate of Northfork High School. In addition to his diploma, he also attended the McDowell County Vocational Center in Welch, West Virginia, where he successfully completed the course requirements and received a welding certificate. Upon completion of high school, Joseph attended coal miner training classes, which ultimately led to him working in the coal mines. Joseph, who was known as “Joe” to many, was well-known and was the founding member of the social club, “The Funkadelics”. He was known as “Funky Worm”. During this period in his life, Joe married his first wife, Donna Totten and to this union, two children were born, Kevin Tyrell and Matthew Joseph. Later in his life and from previous relationships, Joe became the father of two additional children, LaCretia Gywnn and Joseph Lamont Younger. As a man who loved the Lord, Joe was a member of Mt Moriah Baptist Church, located in his hometown of Maybeury, West Virginia. In his spare time, he enjoyed cooking. When the coal mines closed, Joe decided to utilize his culinary skills professionally and worked as a head cook in several local restaurants. In 1998, Joe decided to leave West Virginia and he relocated to Dalzell, South Carolina, bringing him closer to his younger brother, Michael and sister-in-law, Diane, who also lived in Sumter. He continued his passion for cooking and held several positions within the food service industry. In 2012, Joe married Wanda Rush. His love of the Lord continued, and he became a member of Joshua Baptist Church, Dalzell South Carolina. Joe worked as a custodian for the United States Postal Service in the neighboring towns of Dalzell and Rembert, South Carolina. He then worked at Crestwood High School in Sumter, as a custodian, until his retirement in 2021. After retirement, Joe kept himself busy by continuing to cook, listening to music, dancing, watching television, and hosting gatherings that allowed him to spend time with his family and friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Thomas Dickerson, Sr., and Louise Dickerson. Joseph Thomas Dickerson, Jr. departed this earthly life on Monday, July 1, 2024, at his home in Dalzell, South Carolina. Joe leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Wanda Dickerson, of the home; children, LaCretia (Deidrich “Dee”) Gywnn of Winston Salem, North Carolina, Joseph (Samantha) Younger of Dallas, Georgia, Kevin (Rio) Dickerson Cole of Rockmart, Georgia and Matthew (Latoya) Dickerson of Keystone, West Virginia; three stepchildren, Shawanda Rush, Jarrelle Rush and Danielle Rush; siblings, Lasonja (Quentin) Dickerson of Ellenwood, Georgia and Michael (Diane) Dickerson of Dalzell, South Carolina; twelve grandchildren; one great grandchild; special friend, John Robinson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. From the Family: Whether you knew him as Joseph, Joe, Junior, JoJo, or even Funky Worm, we knew him as a great friend and someone we always enjoyed being around. Joe was one of a kind and was always the life of the party. He will be truly missed by all and we will forever cherish the loving memories of the times we shared with him. Rest Well, Joseph Thomas Dickerson, Jr.

Joseph Thomas Dickerson Jr.

June 13, 1957 - July 1, 2024

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