Willie Alfred Dickens departed this life Thursday, March 20, 2003, in Obici Hospital.

He was born on Aug. 13, 1919, in Enfield, N.C., to the late James and Annie Dickens. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Dickens, and one son, Anthony Dickens.

He was educated in the public schools of Franklin.

He is survived by two daughters, Helen Whitehead of Suffolk and Cleo Porter of Franklin; two sons, Walter Dickens (Geraldine) of Franklin and Percy Dickens (Ann) of Pennsylvania; 23 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Geneva Boone of York County; Aretha Boone and Lena Mae Tann, both of Franklin; Janice Boone of Virginia Beach; one brother, James Dickens; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Rose of Sharon Worship Center, 28406 General Thomas Highway, Franklin. Interment will be held in South View Cemetery, Franklin.

Viewing will take place from 1-7 p.m. Saturday, March 22, in T.E. Cooke-Overtson Funeral Home. A wake will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on the same date and place.

The service is entrusted to T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home.