Pastor Otis Dickens "Pastor O"

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Pastor Otis Dickens, affectionately known by many as "Pastor O," was born on April 13, 1948 in Tallulah, Louisiana, the son of the late Roberta and David (Mr. Pem) Banks, and Eli Washington Jr.

Prior to graduating, Pastor O was known for cutting the hair of all of the neighborhood children. After graduating from Reuben McCall High School in Tallulah, Louisiana in 1966, he left to travel north to Saginaw to get a job. He obtained an Experimental Foundry job at General Motors “GM” (Chevrolet Grey Iron Foundry). Management observed his work ethic and knew there was something special about him. He became the youngest Black supervisor for GM. After years of excellent service, Otis was promoted to General Foreman, and later became a Plant Manager in Indiana. He returned to Saginaw, and completed 37 years of service at Bay City Powertrain. While working, Otis went on to accomplish great things. He received an Associate in Applied Science degree from Delta College, attended Saginaw Valley State University, Northwood University, and Valley Bible Institute. Pastor Dickens was a regular on TCT’s “Ask the Pastor.” He graduated with a Doctor of Divinity from St. Thomas Christian University.

Pastor Dickens recognized his call to the ministry. He founded New Beginnings Life Changing Ministries in January of 2003, in the office building of Reverend Silas and Pam Brazil. After one month, Pastor O moved into a church building at 2312 S. Washington Avenue.

Pastor Dickens started his singing career with the Friendly Brothers Quartet, and was the youngest of this group. In addition to having a God-given talent to sing, he played Bass Guitar with The Southern Trumpets, where he was also  the baby of the group. He loved this group of guys, as well as preaching, teaching and studying the word of God. He was an avid reader, golfer, and a fisherman who loved to take his boat out on the waters. But the most Important role that he fulfilled was Teaching the Word of God, winning souls for Christ, and changing lives.

Pastor O is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Sondra Yvonne Dickens; three sons, Cleveland (Angela) Crosby, Oklahoma, City, Otis Dickens Jr, Oakland, California, Brian (Shannon) Dickens, Knoxville, Tennessee; two daughters, Sharon (Darrell) Steele and Stephani  Rushin, Atlanta, Georgia; five sisters, Shirley Beavers, Rockwall, Texas; Joyce (David) Smith, Madison, Alabama, Bobbie Anderson, Shreveport, Louisiana, Linda Thompson, Arlington, Texas, Benita Banks, Tallulah, Louisiana; two brothers, Sam (Brenda) Murrell, Tallulah, Louisiana, Walter Murrell Sr, Dallas, Texas; twenty-one grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; mother-in-law, Lillian Newsome; nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends; special friends, Pastor Theodore Watson, Bob Saxton, and Reverend Silas Brazil.

Special Thanks to Danny (Lena) Monroe, Lady Charity Watson, Dorothy Camese, Pam Brazil, Beverly Faulk, Danielle Monroe, Bria Ferguson, John Brazil Jr, New Beginnings Life Changing Ministries, Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff at Paradise Funeral Chapel.

He will be sorely missed by all those he has touched.

Pastor Dickens was preceded in death by his parents, Roberta Banks, David (Mr. Pem) Banks, Eli Washington Jr.; one brother, James Banks; and a special niece, Angelis Beavers.

Glory To God!