Emma Dickson

Emma L. Dickson, 79, passed away Thursday, December 7, 2023 at home with her loving family Janel, Stephen, Aryel, William and Zaria by her side. Emma was the youngest daughter of eight children born to the late Alfred Woodard Sr. and Leola Woodard.

Emma was born in Albany, NY, where she grew up and attended Albany Public Schools. She graduated from Austin Beauty School, upon receiving her cosmetology license she went on to work for several years in Ann's Beauty Shop, along side her sister Ann Standfield. Emma's illustrious work history includes Albany Medical Center, Mastersons Daycare and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Upon leaving Blue Cross in 1990, Emma opened First Steps Daycare. Over 30 years later Emma's legacy continues under the guidance of her daughter Janel. Over the span of her extensive career, she has nurtured, and touched the lives of hundreds of children including their parents. Emma has been a pillar in the community not only caring for children, she was an active Democratic Committee person, and a dedicated advocate for the Rapp road community, where she founded, and served as president of the Rapp Rd. Association, which is still in existence today.

Early in the 1970's she became involved with preserving the history of the Rapp Road community. Her dedication in collaboration with the work of Jennifer Lemak-Buff paid off in 2002, when the Rapp Road community was placed on the New York State and National Historic Registry as a historic district.

In 2008, SUNY Press published the book Southern Life, Northern City. The history of Albany's Rapp road community. The book would not have been possible without her dedication to collect the rich family and community history.

In 2016, in her honor, Albany's Springsteen Road was renamed Emma Dickson Way.

Emma is predeceased by her mother and father Leola and Alfred Woodard Sr., husband William H Dickson, son Anthony Pennick, siblings: Alfred Woodard Jr, Walter Woodard. Paul Woodard (Dolores), Joseph Dickson Sr., Girlie Ferguson, Oceanna Buckhalter (John) and Ann Standfield.

Emma is survived by: sister Pauline Walker, sisters in Law, Dorothy Woodard, Olivia Chapple (John) and Anne Dickson. Daughters, Janel Chapple (Stephen), Victoria Dickson, Regina Perez, son Brian Pennick (Danielle), brother Wayne Jackson and daughter-in-law Kristine Pennick. Grandchildren. Tricel, Aryel, William, Keirra, Lamar, Big Brian, Little Brian, Jahbrisha, Jahquiare, Jahsire, Olivia, Jalissa, Arianne, Mackenzie, Darian, Thomas, Nikisha. Great grandchildren. Zaria, Ariyah, Nahviya, Azohra, Jacob, Myla, Serenity, Maleah, Jasmine, Cameron, Oleksij, Lux, Synsere, Saint, Mehki, Zachery, Jayden, Xavier, Isaiah, Lucas, Monief, London and Lyric. Special friend, Leon Simon, Lifelong Friends, Maryanne Gorke, Jennifer Lemak-Buff and a whole host of Nieces, Nephews, Family and Friends.

Special mention: The family would like to take a moment to mention Emma's adoring great granddaughter, 13 year old Zaria. Zaria has spent almost every day of her life in the presence of her great grandmother. Thank you for becoming such an amazing caretaker.
Aryel who is resilient, amazing, and beauty unexcelled. You are the caregiver, and you have done well!!!

Calling hours will be held at Wilborn Temple COGIC, 121 Jay Street, Albany, New York on Friday December 15, 2023 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. A funeral service will be held Friday December 15, 2023 at 10:00 am at Wilborn Temple COGIC. Entombment will follow the service at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, New York.

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