Clara Jane Yerton Dickson

Clara Jane Yerton Dickson, 98, of Morganton died Saturday, June 22, 2019.  Born October 2, 1920 in Mecklenburg County, NC, she was the daughter of the late D. Franklin Yerton and Ada Gertude Phillips.  Mrs. Dickson was a member of Oak Hill United Methodist Church.

Clara entered the NC School for the Deaf in Morganton at the age of 7 and graduated in 1939.  From 1973 until 1986, Clara was employed as a teacher’s aide at the NC School for the Deaf Preschool Satellite Program in Buncombe County.  She was also a seamstress for Patterson’s Clothing Store in Brevard.

She and Lyon Dickson were married on June 6, 1942 and lived on Miner Street in Brevard where they raised four children.  They remained active in the community following their retirement and enjoyed time with their family.  Eventually they moved to Morganton in 1997.

Clara was a member of the NC Association for the Deaf (NCAD) and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).  She also received the following awards: 1986 NC School for the Deaf Certificate of Appreciation, 1990 NCSD Preschool Satellite Class Certificate of Appreciation, 1990 NC Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (NCRID) Ralph Crutchfield Memorial Award, and 2001 NFSD Morganton Division No. 161 Frater of the Year.

She was a loving and kind mother, setting an example for all to follow.  She was truly blessed to have lived a long and wonderful life.

Clara is survived by her son, Wesley Dickson (Yvonne); daughters, Pamela White (John), Connie King, and Elizabeth Pedersen (David); grandchildren, Stacey McDaniels, Hesper Dickson Trapp, Wes Dickson, Becca Stephens, Dane Pedersen, and Meagan Pedersen Phillippi; 10 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Clara was preceded in death by husband, Clifford Lyon Dickson, Jr.; great-great-granddaughter, Olivia Brock; sister, Violet Yerton; brother, Luther Yerton; and son-in-law, Leonard King, III.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, July 1, 2019 at Oak Hill United Methodist Church.  The memorial service will follow at noon in the church with Rev. Paul McClure and Chaplain Laura Roach officiating.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Burke Hospice and Clara’s caregivers there at respite care at home, especially her dedicated CNA, Suzi.

Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.