Sharon Rice Dickerson of Oxford passed away peacefully on Monday, October 6, surrounded by her four children and other loved ones.

Sharon spent 66 of her 80 years in Oxford, having graduated from the Oxford Orphanage and marrying local legend Steve W. Dickerson. They were married 52 years before his passing in 2019. After graduating from Appalachian State University, she was a fourth-grade teacher in her earlier years, instilling her love of reading and education in many of her students. She was best known, however, for being co-owner and bookkeeper at Steve's Lawn & Garden in Oxford.

With the loss of her parents and being the oldest of four, Sharon was fiercely protective of and loyal to her siblings. She spent her life fighting to keep her family together. Marrying into the large Dickerson family, Sharon cherished the love and warmth she received. The drive to keep family close remained when she became a mother of four as well. Sharon's devotion to family made sure that her four children and their growing families were together for every holiday, birthday, and change of season.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Sossamon Funeral Home of Oxford.

Sharon is preceded in death by her husband, Steve. Sharon is survived by her children Paul Dickerson (Terese), Dawn Palmer (Mike), Sandra Crouse, Lance Dickerson (D'Ann), ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, as well as her siblings Sandra Webb (Hiram), Dan Rice (Debbie), Jim Rice (Barbara).

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Sossamon Funeral Home of Oxford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Oxford Orphanage, 600 College St. Oxford, NC 27565.

Arrangements are by Sossamon Funeral Home of Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.sossamonfuneralhome.com.