Order of Service Reverend Anthony C. Talton, Officiating Bishop Ben T. Gibson, Sr., Eulogist Progressive Baptist Church, Brooklyn, New York
Processional......................................................................................... The Clergy Officials & The Family Opening Hymn................................................................................................................. “Blessed Assurance” Prayer of Comfort....................................................................................Reverend Tyrone S. Billingsley (First Church of God, Camden, NJ) Scripture Readings........................................................................................................................................................... Old Testament - Isaiah 41:10............................................................................Latreeta Burns New Testament – Matthew 5:4-8 & 2 Timothy 4:7,8............... Ramona Williams Selection........................................................................................................................................... Amazing Grace Reflections.................................................................... Judy Augustus, Patricia Dicks Arnell-Turner Sheryl McDowney & Roman Massenberg, Jr. Selection......................................................................................................................“The Battle Is Not Yours” Acknowledgements....................................................................................................................................................... Reading of the Obituary...........................................................................................................Jean Woodley Selection.............................................................................................................................“Soon It Will Be Over” Eulogy........................................................................................................................... Bishop Ben T. Gibson, Sr. Recessional........................................................................................... The Clergy Officials & The Family
Interment Harleigh Cemetery 1640 Haddon Avenue, Camden, New Jersey 08103
Repast Immediately following the interment, the family will be receiving guests and friends at Wayne R. Bryant Senior Community Center 323 Charleston Avenue, Lawnside, New Jersey 08045
Obituary Estella Dicks (Massenberg) was born on January 30, 1927, the second daughter and, the eleventh of eleven children to the late William and Alice Corbitt Dicks, in Ellington, South Carolina. In June of 1942, the family moved to Haddonfield, NJ. Estella graduated from Scofield High School, a boarding school in Aiken, South Carolina. She then entered A&T College (currently known as North Carolina A&T State University) in Greensboro, North Carolina where she earned a Bachelors Degree in Home Economics. After graduation, not satisfied with the job prospects in Haddonfield, Estella decided to relocate to Brooklyn, NY where she lived with her brother Leon, his wife Pauline and their children Patricia & Leon, Jr. Estella obtained a job teaching pre-K children in a private Hebrew school in Brooklyn. There, she showed excellent teaching and classroom management skills and was quickly elevated to Head Teacher. The students and their parents loved Estella and showered her with praise, and gifts of appreciation. While teaching pre-K she enrolled in evening classes at Teachers College at Columbia University in N.Y.C. where she focused on teaching Elementary Education and children with special needs. In 1960, Estella was granted a license to teach Special Education in the N.Y.C. school system where she worked for thirty years, before deciding to retire in 1991. Estella confessed her belief in Christ at an early age. She was baptized and became a member of the First Church of God in Ellington, SC, where her mother was a member and her grandfather was a pastor. Upon moving, Estella attended First Church of God in Camden, NJ. where her mother had joined, until she left for school. Estella enjoyed church and was an active participant in church activities throughout her life. Despite not being Baptist, she chose to raise her children in the Baptist faith of her husband, eventually choosing Calvary Baptist Church in Jamaica, NY as a place for their young family to worship after moving to Queens. There, she was allowed to assist, at various times, with the pre-K, Kindergarten, and first grade Sunday school, though she never actually became a member of the church. Forever devoted to her mother’s church denomination, Estella joined the First Church of God in Jamaica, NY in the late 1980s where she served as an usher. She was eventually elevated to Usher Board President and served for a number of years. She was dutiful and seldom missed an opportunity to serve, attend prayer meetings and be an active member. During her latter years, her pastor appointed Estella to the church’s Deaconess Board.
In 2001, Estella finally joined the church of her mother, First Church of God in Camden, NJ. Estella believed in prayer. She said she prayed and asked God for a husband. She believed her prayers were answered when she was invited to meet Roman Massenberg at a dinner arranged by her sister-in-law, Pauline and brother, Leon. The rest is history. Estella & Roman were united in Holy Matrimony in this church by her late brother, The Reverend Dr. John B. Dicks, on August 11, 1962. From this union, they were blessed with two children, Roman Jr. and Sharon. After living in Brooklyn, they moved to the Cambria Heights section of Queens, NY. In whatever activities, in which her children were involved, Estella could be counted on for support. She was a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout den mother, PTA member, member of The Mothers Club of Cambria Heights Little League, the Parents Association for Little League Baseball, member of the Queens Chapter, Jack & Jill of America, Inc., Throughout her life, Estella received numerous awards and citations for outstanding service for her numerous activities. Estella never met a child she didn’t want to hug. She would sometimes offer assistance to a parent struggling with an unruly child in public whom she didn’t know. Because of her warm, kind, friendly personality and gentle approach to people, her offer of assistance was usually accepted with a thank you. Whether you met Estella once or knew her for a lifetime, she treated you with the same warmth and kindness. During her retirement, Estella spent time caring for sick and shut-in members of her church and eventually caring for several sick relatives, never complaining, but doing whatever she could with a loving spirit. She felt that this service was a call from God. She also traveled. Her biggest trip was taken in 2014, fulfilling a longtime dream of traveling to Israel to walk where Jesus walk. Accompanied by her daughter, Estella was able to enjoy the rich history of the land and out walked people half her age. This was not surprising seeing as how she loved to walk and often woke up early mornings after retiring and walked with friends. She also loved to exercise. Estella was called to her heavenly home, on Monday March 6, 2017. Estella was preceded in death by her ten siblings. Left to celebrate Estella’s life is her husband of fifty-four years, Roman; her son, Roman Jr. and her daughter, Sharon; sister-in law, Janice Dicks of Milwaukee, WI; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grand nieces and grand nephews, extended family and friends. There is no doubt that Estella loved her family with her whole heart and demonstrated that love at every opportunity. There is also no doubt that her family loved her just the same.
My Reflection
I always thought of my mom as an angel; because of her sweet, loving and gentle spirit. She was one of the most selfless people I have ever known- who would sacrifice her last; give of her time, whatever she could to help others. At the same time, I realized she was extremely resilient; as I saw her handle various situations with dignity, class and resoluteness. She taught me life lessons- sprinkled with experience, wisdom, humor, and of course Biblical principles. Many times when she advised me, a scripture was included, and the words, we’ll pray about it and put it in the hand of God. It is because of the example of her walk with the Lord, that I have a relationship with Him; seeing her read her Bible daily; kneeling by her bedside, as she prayed. At an early age, she introduced me to the Lord; taught me to pray and fast, and about the powerful blood of Jesus, also, encouraging me to “be active” (serve) in church. Later in life, she and I would pray together, and then, the time camethat I prayed for her. When I was a little girl, my mom called me her “shadow.” Wherever she went, I was there; at times, she couldn’t even go to the bathroom without me lying on the floor, outside of the door, waiting for her to come out. She would tell me, “out of all the daughters in the world, I chose you.” My mom made growing up fun. There was laughter, and so many experiences I will treasure, such as making ice cream from snow. My mom encouraged, and gave opportunity to explore a variety of things: guitar lessons, piano lessons, theater workshop, a pageant contest, and more. She loved being a mom and “went all in”-the type of mom who didn’t just drop me off at an activity; if she couldshe’d get involved. My mom was my best friend. She always told me that; but, it wasn’t until I matured, that I realized it. In the beginning of opening up to my mom, her responses would surprise me- she was so real and down to earth. Soon, I’d look forward to hearing her wit and guidance. There’s a place in my heart that only my mom can fill; she was my biggest cheerleader. She dreamed bigger dreams for me than I have for myself. I deeply miss my mom’s presence. Because of Jesus, I’m able to get through this- the day I have dreaded almost all of my life- her passing, and the days that follow. Although death, of a loved one, is a season we know we’ll come to at some point in life- it’s not easy when it happens. However, because I know there’s no doubt she’s now with Jesus- and together again with beloved family and friends in heaven; I can rejoice.
In Loving Tribute, Sharon
WILFORD BLOWE TYRONE DICKS ALFRED DANSBURY, SR.
BILLY DICKS WALTER JERU CLYMER DWAYNE MCELRATH JOHN WILLIAMS, IV
JAMES G. BUTCHER KEVIN MASSENBERG WYATT DANSBURY
We would like to extend a very special thank you for the outpouring of prayers, love and support during this difficult time. Whether it was a word of encouragement, assistance, phone call or your presence, it has meant so much to each of us. May God bless each of you. Lovingly submitted, Roman Sr., Roman Jr., & Sharon