TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple, Texas community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved members.
Local philanthropist Allison Dickson reportedly died on Oct. 18, 2023.
Temple ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bobby Ott memorialized Dickson in a post on social media, thanking her for her work with the school district and community.
"One of my closest friends & spiritual partners joined her father today," Ott said in the post. "(Dickson)’s Wildcat Spirit will remain with us, endlessly giving to THS students & her community. If you are half the angel in heaven that you were a Wildcat - they got a good one. Will miss you dear friend."
Dickson was diagnosed at a young age with a rare form of muscular dystrophy called Werdnig-Hoffman Disease.
"The doctors told me I wouldn't live pass three years old. Well, I'm now 43 years old and I'm still here," Dickson shared in December of 2022.
For years, Dickson has dedicated her life to service, activism and giving back to her community.
Dickson grew up in Temple, attended Southwestern University and earned her law degree at Baylor University, where she finished first in her class. Baylor said Dickson was sworn into the State Bar of Texas as a licensed attorney and worked as a legal research assistant for Baylor Law School.
In Temple, Dickson found numerous ways to give back, creating three fully endowed scholarships for students of Temple High School, Southwestern University and Baylor Law School.
"Alison's heart called on her to be of service to other people, and one of the things she was really, really good at is encouraging people to support the things that she supported," said Patricia Wilson, interim dean of Baylor Law School.
Dickson also worked with Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center to host an annual gift drive fundraiser, collecting stuffed animals for children in the hospital over the holidays.
Dickson also raised money for other local nonprofits, and in 2022, focused her efforts on getting a mural made at the McLane Children's Medical Center healing garden.
Dickson's motto was "I don't need easy, I just need possible".
Temple residents are now sharing their condolences and appreciation on social media for the woman who touched so many lives.
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