Nancy Marie Carneal Dickinson
Nov. 18, 1936 – May 13, 2022
Nancy Marie Carneal Dickinson passed on May 13, 2022 in Mechanicsville, VA, where she had made her home the past six years. She was born in Fredericksburg on November 18, 1936, to John F. Carneal, Sr. and Gladys Virginia Alsop Carneal. One of the most significant moments of Nancy’s life was her marriage to Curtis Dickinson on July 11, 1959.
Nancy graduated from James Monroe High School in 1955 where she lettered in basketball and softball. She was a cheerleader, a member of the SCA and Beta clubs, attended Girls State, and was a three-time Homecoming Queen. Nancy graduated from Mary Washington College in 1959, where she majored in Health and P.E. She worked at the former Wallace Library on the corner of Princess Anne and George Streets, and officiated basketball games to help pay her way through college. She taught the 1959-60 school year at James Monroe and later at Gayle Middle School she taught Health & P.E. She attended the University of Virginia where she earned her Masters Degree in Education in 1973. It was at that time that she became a Guidance Counselor at Gayle until her retirement in 1991.
Nancy represented Stafford County on the Frank C. Pratt Mental Health Chapter for a number of years. One of Nancy’s favorite girlhood memories was being one of the very first to be served at Carl’s Frozen Custard in 1947.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and an infant son, Mark Steven Dickinson. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Curtis M. Dickinson of Mechanicsville; her daughter, Kelly Vincent (Marty) of Evansville, Indiana and sons, John Dickinson (Wendy) of Powhatan, VA, and Larry Dickinson (Helen) of Henrico; and her brother, John F. Carneal Jr. (Barbara) of Hartwood, VA. Nancy and Curtis have seven grandchildren, Hillary Dickinson Hellman (Joel) of Norfolk, Anne Marie Dickinson of Powhatan, Clair Dickinson of Henrico, Cullen Vincent, Tanner Vincent, Keller Vincent of Evansville, IN, and Maggie Vincent of Baton Rouge , LA.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm Thursday, May 19 at Covenant Funeral Service – Fredericksburg Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 10:30am Friday, May 20 at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fredericksburg. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Friends of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 125 Olde Greenwich Drive, Suite 150, Fredericksburg, VA 22408; or MICAH Ecumenical Ministries, 1013 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.
Arrangements by Affinity Funeral Service – Mechanicsville Chapel.
Mrs. Dickinson was kind and generous. I always felt welcomed in her home when I visited Larry. Her graciousness will be missed.
A wonderfully nice person
Ms. Nancy was a wonderful P.E. teacher at Gayle Middle School. Will always remember her beautiful blue eyes.
Nancy was a dear friend. I will really miss her so much. My sympathy and love to the family.
My Deepest Condolences and Prayers to The Dickinson Family.
Dear Dickinson Family,
Sending you my heartfelt sympathies during this difficult time. Ms. Dickinson was the nicest person and I know your memories of her will help you through this sad time.
Curtis and family,
We are very sorry to hear about Nancy’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. May she RIP.
Curtis and family~What a beautiful obituary,[pictures and words alike] for this angelic friend, co-educator and inspiration to us all through the years. I first met Nancy on the basketball court as rivals [ she at Jayem and I at Stafford] but we ended up teaching together at Jayem, and then at Gayle before she became the Guidance Counselor. I shall never forget her smile, her kindness and always optimistic outlook on life and our students. My condolences as you grieve her physical absence but you know she will always be in your heart and live on through the many memories you have made together. God bless you all!
Mrs Dickinson was my first PE teacher after I moved to Virginia from Tennessee. She showed me that you can do anything if you try. My condolences go out to her family and friends.
Condolences to the Dickinson family, have many great memories of the whole family. Nancy was a very special lady.
My deepest condolences to the Dickinson family on the loss of Nancy. She was so central to the family of educators we built at Gayle Junior High/Middle. Her presence was always so warm and gracious in the guidance office. And she raised three lovely children it was my pleasure to teach and/or work with in other ways. Please know I am with you in spirit though I can not be with you in person.
Curtis, John. Kelly, Larry and families, Please accept our condolences on behalf of my mom, dad, Debbie and I.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Such a sweet lady. I know she will be greatly missed.
Mrs. Dickinson was always so kind. Thinking of all of you during this time.