Barbara Ann Clayborn Dickens

Barbara Ann Clayborn Dickens was born on September 21, 1952, in Lansing, Michigan to Wilfred Clayborn and Mary Francis Harris Clayborn. She transitioned from earth to eternity on August 5, 2022, at the CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas surrounded by her family and loved ones.

She united with Eastern Star Baptist Church at an early age, where she professed her love for Christ. She later untied with Kingdom Authority Christian Ministries where she served on the hospitality committee. Barbara was a 1970 graduate of Gurdon High School and attended Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas where she studied business.

Barbara married Andy Joe Dickens and to this union, two sons were born. Andy and Barbara created a close-knit family. Barbara taught her sons self-respect and respect for others.

She worked as a paraprofessional at Gurdon High School for 39 years until her retirement. A true servant in every aspect of the word Barbara did not mind lending her time, talent, and treasures to many students, causes, and organizations.

Of all the notable titles and respected positions, she was a super mother, loving sister, sweet grandmother, proud aunt, and a true friend. She loved to cook and would spend countless hours talking about current events and just keeping in contact with her family and friends.

Barbara was a Dallas Cowboys fan and a die-hard Gurdon Go-Devils fan. She loved the gospel sounds of Rance Allen. Her greatest joy was being the cheerleader and attending all of their sporting events. Barbara leaves an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of many. Some learned from her, as well as, those who she inspired to pursue higher goals.

She was preceded in death by her parents Wilfred and Mary Francis Clayborn and a brother, Rev. Raymond Clayborn.

She leaves to cherish her memories two sons, Quincy Dickens and Harold Dickens both of Gurdon, AR; a bonus daughters, Sharon Golden of Arkadelphia, AR, and Hope Dixon; four grandchildren, Malik Dickens, Shemar Dickens, Quashai Dickens, and Jakobe Dickens; two great-grandchildren, Brylee Dickens and Melahni Dickens; two brothers, Freddie J. Clayborn of Kansas City, MO and Johnny Ray Clayborn of Gurdon, AR; three sisters, Linda Clayborn of Dallas, TX, Terrilyn Clayborn of Arkadelphia, AR, and Mary Clayborn Thomas (Chester) of Kansas City, MO; a sister-in-law, Leola Clayborn; two uncles, Ronald Harris and Donald Harris; and one aunt, Patsy Harris. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; special friend and caregiver, Renee House Dickens, other special friends, Debra Beasley, Ola Beasley, Lucille Beasley, and Cleo Stephens, as well as, several other friends. 

Visitation will be Friday, August 12, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at the Gurdon High School Auditorium with Pastor Rufus Hatley, officiating, and Pastor Quintin Radford, eulogist. Interment will be at Rose Hedge Cemetery in Gurdon, Arkansas.

Active pallbearers will be Tommy Stafford, Deonco Houston, Jamario Dixon, Brandon Hatley, Tareze Williams, and David Young. Honorary pallbearers will be Shemar Dickens, Malik Dickens, Deotis Dickens, Jr., Keon Brewer, Antonio Dixon, Jakcoby Dickens, T.S. Ollison, Sylvester Brewer, Corey Harris, Sharrod Robinson, Deotis Dickens, Sr., and Jerry Jackson.