Kimberly Dickens (Lansing)

On July 16, 1970, Kimberly Alisa Bryant started her earthly existence with her parents Joel C. and Elnora K. Bryant. At an early age, Kimberly’s extroverted, friendly, exuberant and happy personality was noticeable and was the foundation for a powerful presence in years to come.

Kimberly’s early education was received in the Lansing School District where she was a graduate of J.W. Sexton High School. She then continued academic ventures at Lansing Community College and Michigan State University where she earned a degree in Human Resources.

Kimberly was family oriented and was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt. Allen K. Roberts, II was Kimberly’s first-born child from a previous marriage. Kimberly married Steven Dickens on September 12, 2009, and to that union Stephanie Dickens was born.

Kimberly’s work experiences always centered around helping others including children and the homeless population. She was a “people” person and her jobs at Macy’s, Sam’s Club, Weyco, Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan Works, and Advent House Ministries reflected that passion.

Music was always an important part of Kimberly’s life. This included listening as well as performing. In the school orchestra she played the violin. She then learned to play the Musical Saw which was her father’s main instrument. She enjoyed other genres of music such as jazz, musicals and R&B.

Kimberly was an active member of North Westminster Presbyterian Church, serving in various capacities throughout her life. As a child, she was a member of the youth group as well as the Children’s Choir. As an adult, she was a member of the Chancel Choir, supported the UKirk Campus Ministry at MSU, coordinated all weddings at North Westminster, ensured Advent House and church youth had an opportunity to experience Camp Greenwood, and served as a Ruling Elder.

In 2011, Kimberly was diagnosed with Stage 4 Thymoma cancer. While many would feel defeated, Kimberly approached her diagnosis with strength and faith, and began the battle at the Cancer Treatment Center of America. Throughout the last 12 years, she endured chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries, and various other treatments. She never complained. She celebrated the good news and fought harder when the news wasn’t what she wanted to hear. On March 14, 2023, Kimberly began the hospice process. She handled the news with grace and spent her remaining months surrounded by family and friends. Her motto throughout this journey was ‘spend time and make memories.’

On July 24, 2023, Kimberly passed away peacefully at her home, at the age of 53 years old. She was predeceased by her father, Joel C. Bryant.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Steven Dickens; children, Allen Roberts, II and Stephanie Dickens; stepdaughter, Desirae Morgan; “adopted” daughter, Amber Maupin-Clark; mother, Elnora Bryant; sister, Andrea (Aubrey) Pruitt; favorite nephew, Cameron Pruitt; mother-in-law, Willa Dickens; brother-in-law, William Dickens; special cousin, Constance Gaines; special friends, Kimberly Napier, Connie Ford, Amy Ellison, Carnell and Sandra Walker, Sheridan Carr, Andrea Smith, Betty Siders, Arnold Friday and Dean Edmonds; and a host of other relatives.