Mrs. Josephine Dicks Smiley

Mrs. Josephine Dicks Smiley was born on August 20, 1931, in Aiken, South Carolina to the late Farry Bell Bates Dicks and the late Samuel Dicks. She departed this life and gained her eternal wings on Saturday, July 8, 2023. Mrs. Smiley attended Strom Branch Academy and graduated from high school in the Adult Education Program. She was employed for more than thirty years at the Youth Development Center in Augusta, Georgia until her retirement. She was a faithful member of the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church where she organized the Gospel Chorus and was an active member of the same. Josephine organized the Strom Branch Association Alumni Academy. Besides working and attending church, she loved music and played the piano for multiple churches throughout the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). Her playing and love for music led her to a successful recording career. She and her recording groups were known as "Josephine Dicks and The Gospel Rocks", (comprised of she and two of her sisters, Nazarene and Leola) and "Josephine Dicks and The Inspires." She recorded numerous CDs under the Dela Joyce Label. Mrs. Smiley was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Joyce Nero Streaty; grandson, Gregory L. Nero and eleven siblings. She leaves to cherish precious memories: her son, The Reverend Delbert L. ( Joann Stewart) Nero; two sisters, her twin, Nazarene D. Morgan, and Leola N. Dicks, al of Aiken, South Carolina; grandchildren, Shantel Nero, Cory (Anita) Green, Kelby (Kim) Nero, Keith (Tasha) Robinson, Sonyatte (Anthony) Watkins and Nashayne Streaty; host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins; a devoted caregiver, Crystal Smith and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 130 Independence Boulevard, Aiken, South Carolina 29803. Reverend Dr. Chauncey A. Scott, Pastor, Eulogist, Reverend Kenny Sanders, Presiding. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Mrs. Smiley will lie in-state one hour prior to the service. Public viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday, July 14, 2023 at Jackson Brooks Chapel, 606 Main Street, New Ellenington, South Carolina 29809. Flowers can be delivered to Jackson Brooks Chapel in New Ellenington, South Carolina. Like our Facebook page: A. A. Dicks Funeral Home - Sullivan Chapel Add our Facebook Friend Page and leave a comment: A. A. Dicks FH

Mrs. Josephine Dicks Smiley

August 20, 1931 - July 8, 2023