Curley Mae Dickens departed this life on March 22, 2026, in Hopewell, Virginia at the age of 76. She was born to the late Cora Willie and Edward Lee Everette in Franklin, Virginia. Curley Mae was a lifelong long member of the House of Prayer in Franklin Virginia in her early years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Walter Dickens Sr.; her daughter, Rosita Dickens; and her three siblings: Donald Everette, Tyrone Everette, and Shirley Johnson.

Curley Mae Dickens, best known as "Fruity," was given this name due to the fruity ice cream she loved as a child. Fruity attended Hayden High in Franklin, Virginia. After her school years, she worked for several years as a cook and caregiver. She later married her husband, Walter Dickens Sr., with whom she had three children and two stepchildren. Later in life, Fruity relocated to Hopewell, Virginia, with her immediate family, where she lived out her final years.

Fruity was best known for her vibrant, headstrong, and feisty personality. She was family-oriented and cherished being surrounded by laughter, storytelling, homemade cooking, sweets, shopping, and music—always creating lasting memories. She was always in good spirits and happy to see you. As a caregiver in her early years, it was second nature for her to provide and nurture anyone in need. She was naturally caring and full of love.

In her later years, Fruity continued to enjoy the simple things in life, with the added joy of becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother—roles she fulfilled daily with love. Her days consisted of relaxing in her pajamas in her recliner, bonding with her grandchildren, and making sure her money added up, as she was known to say, "I know what I'm talking about."

Fruity leaves a legacy of lessons taught: "Always count your money," "Pray," and always "Trust in the Lord."

Curley Mae "Fruity" Dickens will be cherished and deeply missed by those she leaves behind: her children, Melissa Dickens of Hopewell, VA, and Walter "Sam" Dickens, Jr. (Sylvia) of Hopewell, VA and two stepchildren; five grandchildren, Travis Dickens of Franklin, VA, Trivesha Dickens (Brandon Williams) of Hopewell, VA, Damien Watkins, Reginald Watkins, and Dominique Baxter; four great-grandchildren, Aden Dickens, Shyanne Dickens, Bryson Williams, and Sariah Williams; her siblings, Geneva Everette of Franklin, VA, Tina Everette of Franklin, VA, Gloria Dickens of Franklin, VA, Edward Everette, Jr. (Carolyn) of Waverly, VA and Eugene Everette (Linda) of Seattle, WA; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Services will be announced at a later date.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.