With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Verlena Dicker Wilson, 89, of Hemingway, SC, who passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

The Life of Verlena Dicker Wilson

Love Was Born

Verlena Dicker Wilson was born on June 25, 1937, in Bloomingvale, South Carolina, to Andrew and Ida Dicker. She was dearly loved from the very beginning. With her long hair, long eyelashes, and unique habit of scooting instead of walking, her favorite aunts, Edith and Minnie, affectionately nicknamed her "Monkey."

She attended Mount Zion School and was the last surviving member of her graduating class. After graduation, she moved to Philadelphia to help care for her sister, Janie's, daughters Debra and Terry. She immediately reconnected with a friend from South Carolina, W.B. Wilson who 'just happened' to be attending Delaware State College.

Love Was Shared

In 1957, Verlena married the love of her life, W.B. Wilson. Together they shared 67 years of marriage, raising four children—P. Jeanette, David, Michelle Renee, and Andre'—and building a life centered on faith, family, and service. Their son David's disabilities required extraordinary patience, compassion and a lot of love. God knew Verlena was the right mother for him.

Her generosity was tremendous.  She faithfully sent boxes of clothing to relatives in South Carolina, bringing joy to her siblings, and welcomed many of them into her Delaware home as they pursued new opportunities.

Love Was Lived

A faithful member of Greater St. Mark AME Church, Verlena served with the Women's Missionary Society, Stewardess Board, and Usher Board. She lovingly led the Youth Ushers, affectionately calling them "my little sunbeams," and faithfully organized the church's annual Mother's Day programs.

The most memorable Alston-Dicker Family Reunions were encouraged and/or organized by Verlena Wilson. She treasured family and was instrumental in preserving traditions and strengthening bonds across generations.

To neighbors and friends, Verlena was simply "everybody's mother." She taught women how to drive, cared for elderly neighbors, provided meals and transportation, and was the trusted emergency contact for neighborhood children. Verlena loved all things beautiful. She loved beautiful flowers, and was rarely seen without wearing a stylish hats. She took pride in creating a warm and welcoming home.  Her fishing hat and rod were always ready for a trip to the pond with Lola or one of her "favorite" nephews.

Love's Legacy

On July 26, 2026 Verlena entered eternal rest leaving behind a legacy defined not by titles, but by love. She strengthened families, served her church and community faithfully, and demonstrated God's love through quiet acts of generosity, compassion, and unwavering devotion.  She was truly a Proverbs 31 woman.

Verlena leaves to cherish her precious memory: her devoted daughter, P. Jeanette Simon of Wilmington, DE; her beloved son, Andre (Tabitha) Wilson of Lake Spivey, GA; her son by love, Curtis Sanderson; her cherished grandchildren, Stephan Simon, Ryan (Amber) Simon, Jaylen (Brandon) Westbrook, Alexis Wilson, and Andre Wilson Jr. ("AJ"); her two treasured great-granddaughters, Sariah Rene Simon and Aryn Simon; her brothers, Horace Dicker of Philadelphia, PA, and Vernard (Sandra) Dicker of Clarksville, TN; her sisters, Emma (John) Sheehen of Stamford, CT, and Flossie (John) Ervin of Andrews, SC; her brothers-in-law, Samuel C. (Ruth) Wilson of New Castle, DE, Theodore Wilson of Smyrna, DE; her sisters-in-law, Fannie R. Smiths of Rosedale, NY, Valtricia Cunningham of Hemingway, SC; sister-in-love, Sally Mouzon; her beloved "South Carolina Children," Vertanza Cunningham, Linda Johnson, Torrance (Desiree) Wilson, Vernessa Robinson, Norma Cyrus, Terry Robinson, Samuel Wilson, Sherry Johnson-Pressley, Christine (Freddy) Thomas, Edward (Gail) Wilson, Angela Ervin, and Franklin (Vivian) Wilson; her cherished godchildren, Spencer Hannah, Felicia Dollard, Chrisshawnda Johnson-Alexander, LaChance McKnight, and Rafael McKnight; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, neighbors, and all whose lives were touched by her unwavering love, generous spirit, and steadfast faith.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC. 843-354-2292.