Mr. Michael Bernard Dickens

Michael Bernard Dickens was born into a loving, close-knit family in Washington, DC, on October 17, 1952. Many of those family members influenced his development into the man he became. Michael was an “out of the womb” sports fan. He participated in youth athletic programs in his neighborhood in Seat Pleasant, MD, and was a valuable team member on the football team at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, MD. At Monmouth College, Michael was exceptional as a safety on their football team. Also, at Monmouth, Mike (or “Dick”, as many of his East Coast and college friends called him) met Debra, married Debra and within their 51-year marriage, raised Asha and Jabari (Jay), the loves of their lives. His Afrocentricity was piqued at Monmouth. He absorbed everything “Black Power” and brought it home to Chicago on school breaks, indoctrinating his nieces and nephews, and later his children and their friends and whoever else would listen. Dad, Uncle Mike, or Mike, as he was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, humor and wisdom. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember Michael, not for the way his life ended, but for the way that it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. Outside of his family and professional life, Michael found joy in gardening, stand up and improv comedy, playing tennis, football, pickleball and cooking. We suddenly and unexpectedly lost the privilege of Michael’s presence on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Although he’s not physically with us, his spirit lives on in the memories of those who love him: Debra, his wife, Eleanor, his mom, Asha, his daughter, Jabari, his son and siblings Darius, Kevin and April (Kenneth) Prophet. In addition, he had a cherished relationship with his sister’s-in-law. There was no shortage of nieces and nephews (including greats) who lovingly hung onto his every word. All his East Coast cousins were special to him, and he enjoyed our annual visits to spend time with them, his mom and sister. Friends? He had many. Good friends? Yes, and they were great! We all miss Michael, the husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and brother-in-law! Those who knew Michael will remember him for always knowing what to say to make people laugh, his revolutionary spirit, being present when needed, providing advice in moments when you had nowhere to turn - and didn’t even ask LOL! As you have become an ancestor, dear Michael, your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts. We love you

Mr. Michael Bernard Dickens

October 17, 1952 - August 6, 2025