Jeanette Hempstead Dickens of Columbia passed away August 26, 2026. She was born December 28, 1932 in Lucedale to Thomas Norris Hempstead Sr and Ethel Mae Bedwell Hempstead, the middle of three children.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Hugh L. Dickens; daughter, Marjorie Lynn Roberts; her parents, Thomas and Ethel Hempstead; and her brother, Thomas M. Hempstead Jr.

She graduated from Lucedale High School and earned several degrees from the University of Southern Miss. She taught school in Petal and in Pascagoula where she was Director of Elementary Education for fourteen years. After marrying Dr. Hugh L. Dickens in 1980, she relocated to Hattiesburg. She was principal of Lumberton Elementary School and Woodley Elementary School in Hattiesburg until she retired after 34 years in education.

During her career Mrs. Dickens was active in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools- Elementary Commissary, where she served as chairman. Upon her retirement she was named Mississippi Outstanding Educator by the Regional Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. During her career she served on over fifty school evaluation committees throughout the state. She was chairman of the Mississippi Association of Elementary School Administrators and was the State Representative to the National Association of Elementary School principals. She also served two terms on the Mississippi Accreditation Committee.

Her retirement years were spent traveling with her husband and family. Their travels included every state in the union except Hawaii, as well as some foreign countries.

She was a devout Christian and faithful member of First Baptist Church, Columbia. Her family lovingly called her 'Nanny' and will remember her for her love and generosity.

She is survived by her son, Reid Ware, Jr. (Beth) of Florence, AL; Her son-in-law Clifford Roberts of Lucedale, MS; and her sister, Joanna Brown of Lucedale, MS; 5 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren.

A graveside service was held on August 29, 2026 with interment at Magnolia Cemetery in Lucedale, MS.