Quietly on the morning of November 15, 2013, Thomas Walter Dickerson, 68, of Suitland, MD (formerly of Abell, MD), entered into eternal rest.

Thomas was affectionately known as "Tom" and "Teeny Baby" to family and friends alike. He was the 9th of fourteen children, born on November 21, 1944 in Abell, MD, to the late George Allen and Georgia Anna Dickerson.

Thomas received his education in the St. Mary's County public school system, graduating from Banneker High School. After graduation, he relocated to Washington, DC, where he worked various jobs. Thomas retired in 2005 from the construction industry where he was a faithful member of the Construction & General Laborers Local Union 657.

Thomas was diagnosed with cancer five years ago. Right after his diagnosis, he became a participant in a cancer protocol at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for the duration of his illness. When asked by his doctors if he was willing to participate in this medical research, he unselfishly replied, "Yes. If it doesn't help me; perhaps it will help someone else". He never complained about his illness; when speaking of his illness, he would simply say "it is what it is". Thomas' participation in this valuable medical research will assist in finding a cure for many types of cancers.

Thomas was a friendly, quiet and gentle man. He was a good husband, father, grandfather and brother. He truly loved his family very much.

Thomas did not allow his illness to consume him nor prevent him from living his life to the fullest. He continued to spend many hours doing yard work and maintaining his many vehicles. Thomas' favorite past times were admiring vintage cars, watching car races, constantly polishing and washing his vehicles, to be sure they were always spotless and spoiling his best buddy, his dog, Sarge. Last, but not least, Thomas was known for always being neat and was very meticulous about his appearance.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, George Allen and Georgia Anna Dickerson; brothers, John, George "Buck", Leroy, Allen "Bird", Kenny, Gibbon "Cook" and Tyrone Dickerson; sisters, Betty Ann Fenwick and Frances Dickerson Briscoe, father-in-law, Richard Dickens and his cousin, Richard Tyer.

Thomas leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife, Joyce Howard; son, Bertrand Dickerson; daughter, Denise Dryden; five grandchildren, Chynna, Bertrand, and Rockeen Oliver, Asia Herbert and K. Ezekiel Dryden; sisters. Thelma (Sonney) Thompson, Martha (Ernest) Carter, Cheryl Barbette Stewart; his brothers, Wilbert Dickerson and Joseph (Essie) Green; aunt, Rita Frederick; uncles, Joseph Dickerson and Aloysius Dickerson; mother-in-law, Lizzie Bell Dickens; his cousin, who grew up with him, Joseph Tyer; brothers-in-law, Francis Briscoe, James (Geneva) Dickens, Harry (Ann) Dickens, Richard (Bernice) Dickens, Jr., Elbert (Lorraine) Dickens, Joe Seth (Carolyn) Dickens, Thurman (Margaret) Dickens, Kary Dickens, Larry (Maxine) Dickens, Ricky (Yvonne) Dickens, Gilbert (Sharon) Dickens, William Dickens, Orlando Dickens, Pastrano Dickens and Demerlyn Warren; sisters-in-law, Lendora Dickens, Minnie (Jerry) Harvey and Cornelia Dickens; close friends, Thomas and Loretta Peoples, Edmond Armstrong and Anthony Frederick and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Family will unite with friends for visitation on Friday, November 22, 2013 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home, 2294 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, MD. On Saturday, November 23, 2013, there will be visitation from 10:00 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 21340 Colton Point Road, Avenue, MD 20609. Interment to follow at Sacred Heart Church Cemetery, Bushwood, MD.

Arrangements provided by Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home.