Naomi "Dickie" J. Jensen, 97 of Gainesville, passed away Thursday December 5, 2024
Dickie was born to Robert Bell Dickson and Elsie (Tomkins) Dickson and grew up in Leonia, New Jersey. She and older brother, Robert “Bob” Dickson both loved the outdoors and Dickie hung around with her brother and his friends, becoming a tomboy at an early age. Both children were encouraged to take up the game of golf, which their father cherished and taught them. It became a life-long love of both siblings.
After high school Dickie attended New Jersey College for Women majoring in physical education. She played many sports in college and taught PE for a few years after graduating.
One of Dickie’s college friends introduced her to William “Bill” Jensen and they later married in 1950. Bill was an officer and pilot in the US Navy and the two traveled the US as Bill was transferred to various duty stations. Dickie loved her husband deeply, was proud to support him in his service and enjoyed travelling the country. They raised two children and Dickie bore much of the responsibility for parenting when her husband was deployed for 6 – 8 months at a time aboard several aircraft carriers. Dickie and Bill retired to a lake house in Anderson, SC in 1977.
In her leisure time Dickie continued to enjoy playing golf, gardening, singing in various church choirs and the Foothills Harmony group of Sweet Adelines. She also served in numerous roles in the church becoming an Elder at Roberts Presbyterian Church in Anderson. Several years after Bill died in 1997, she moved to Lanier Village Estates in Gainesville, GA where she lived for nineteen years. Her faith was always evident throughout her life and she particularly enjoyed encouraging others when they were struggling. She regularly visited those who could not get out and became a
Stephens Minister. Two weeks after having a significant stroke she died peacefully in hospice care.
Preceding her in death are her husband Bill Jensen, brother Bob Dickson, grandson Jay Morgan, sister-in-law Ella Nordlin (Hank) and several cousins. She is survived by her son Douglas Jensen (BJ), daughter Betsy Crawford (Jim), grandson Jeff Morgan (Monica), great granddaughters Nicole Hoover (Ian), Amanda Morgan, Lindsey Morgan, great-great granddaughter Amelia Mae Hoover, sister-in-law Margel “Midge” Blauvelt and multiple nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to extend their deep appreciation to all the staff and caregivers that cared for Dickie and her family throughout this time. Dickie had many friends at Lanier Village, including many staff members, who all stated that she was loved very much. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Gainesville First United Methodist Church: gfumc.com/give or Roberts Presbyterian Church, 2716 Highway 187 South, Anderson, SC 29626.
Arrangements for the memorial service and interment will be made at a later time.
Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com
Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.