In Memory of Alice J. (Fleet) Dickey
Alice Josephine “AJ” Dickey, a long-time resident of Phoenix, passed away peacefully August 3, 2019.
AJ was born in Dallas, Texas on May 30, 1935 to Carl and Totts Fleet, and soon moved to Houston. As a child, she developed a passion for riding horses. Even after she contracted polio, her father, a medical doctor, encouraged her to continue riding as therapy for her polio.
AJ soon began riding as a duo with her mother. She competed on the Texas show circuit, including at the prestigious Pin Oaks Charity Horse Show in Houston, Texas. She passed on her love of horses to her children and grandchildren. Her devotion and enthusiastic support made it possible for them to enjoy and excel at the sport of show jumping.
AJ attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts and later graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, with a degree in Spanish. She joined the Pi Beta Phi sorority at SMU and later met and married Verde Vance Dickey in her senior year.
She had a deep love for the Native American life. As a young girl, she and her cousin John would spend many holidays at the house of their grandmother, Alice J. Fleet, who was the daughter of John F. Brown, the last Principal Chief of the Seminole Nation, Oklahoma.
Honoring her Native American heritage, she became actively involved at the Heard Museum, serving as a docent and a lifetime Board of Trustees member. She created the Dickey Family Director/CEO endowment to ensure continuity of key leadership. She was involved with all aspects of the museum – from her participation in the American Indian Veterans National Memorial ceremonies to serving breakfast to artists at the Indian Fair & Market.
AJ also supported Native American pastors by providing them scholarships for biblical training at Phoenix Seminary. During the 2017 graduation ceremony, a Native American – one of the scholarship recipients – was honored as the outstanding graduate.
She supported many philanthropic endeavors and enriched our Valley in many ways. She served on many boards, including at the Scottsdale Artists School.
As a lover of culture and history, she travelled the world, collecting unique and eclectic artifacts. She once bought and shipped home a large totem pole; a traditional art piece handcrafted by the Chief of the Haida Nation in British Columbia.
She was a stylish, sophisticated and beautiful woman. Her dress was right for every occasion, with a special flare and an eye towards detail. She could also be quite opinionated, much to the dismay of those who disagreed.
She loved her many dogs through the years and spoiled them endlessly.
AJ was loved deeply by her friends and family, and legacy will not be forgotten by those whose lives she touched.
AJ is survived by her sons, Tod, Ken and Russell (Erika) Dickey, and her two granddaughters, Jacqueline and Lauren Dickey. She is also survived by her cousins, John Fleet, II and Jack Fleet.
A memorial service will be held at the Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ on Friday, September 27, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Heard Museum at heard.org/tribute or call (602) 251-0245.
Joan Jasso
It is with much sadness that I write a condolence to the family of AJ. Her obituary described AJ to a “T”; beautifully written about a beautiful woman and a gracious lady! I am with many others who will dearly miss AJ at the Heard. Her legacy will live on through her many valued and appreciated contributions to the Museum and Valley.
I am a docent at the Heard and was honored to be a facilitator when AJ took the Las Guias class, again, 2017-2018. She was a dedicated learner and a valued contributor to the class, especially with her American Indian roots and life experiences. It was a truly rewarding experience to be able to listen to AJ’s graduation tour; she was enthusiastic and her love for the content of the HOME exhibit, and for being able as a guide to share her knowledge with visitors was clearly evident. Thank you, AJ!
Joan
joette Schmidt
Our heartfelt sympathies to all of A.J’s family, beloved dogs and friends. She was a friend and mentor during my time at The Heard Museum board and I respected and admired her always.
Be at peace My Friend and thank you for all that you’ve done for our community.
Joette Schmidt & Kent Derdivanis
Lisa Jacquin
My deepest sympathy to the Dickey family, A.J. was a wonderful and beautiful person. My thoughts and prayers with the family and all her friends
Gwen Hillis
The service for your mother was beautiful. You captured the wonderful woman that she was. I could repeat her wonderful attributes but you captured them in your comments today. I can only add that she is an inspiration to me of warmth, generosity and graciousness. I was very lucky to have known A.J.Dickey.