Capitola Dickerson Was Beloved Teacher, Volunteer, 99

Miss Capitola Dickerson passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, June 15, 2012. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, at , 587 Springfield Ave.,

Arrangements are by Judkins Colonial Home. For condolences, visit www.judkinscolonialhome.com Miss Dickerson was born on Sept. 21, 1913, in Urbana, Ohio.

After graduating from high school, she moved to Summit. She furthered her education at Juilliard School of Music and Columbia University in New York City. Miss Dickerson (Cappie as she was affectionately called by many) was a faithful and dedicated member of A.M.E. Zion Church in Summit for 80 years and was the oldest member of the church. She was the church's historian and was the music director at the church for many years. Her strong faith in God, love, dedication and support of her church and her willingness to help wherever needed was evident in her living and giving and in her caring and sharing. Her spirit of giving, serving, teaching and encouraging touched the lives of everyone at Wallace Chapel as well as others in the community.

Miss Dickerson was greatly revered for her love of music which she shared as a piano teacher to thousands of students in public and private sessions.

She introduced music to hearing impaired students at the Summit Speech School for 30 years and gave music lessons to students at St. John's Pre-School in Summit for 34 years and at the Westfield Day Care Center for 22 years. She also taught music to preschoolers in Cranford, N.J., and Millburn, N.J.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Wallace Chapel A.M.E.Zion Church in Summit, N.J., the Summit Speech School in New Providence, N.J., or the Capitola Dickerson Music Enhancement Fund at the Westfield Foundation in Westfield, N.J.