Joseph Norman Kenneth Dickerson

Joseph Norman Kenneth Dickerson, 65, of Lexington Park, Maryland, took his final pass on Friday, October 30, 2026, after a brief illness. Norman was the beloved son of Aubrey and Loretta Dickerson and the treasured eleventh link of the thirteen in the family chain rich in love and steeped in drag-racing tradition. Born and raised on Sunnyside Road in Clements, Maryland, he shared unforgettable memories and enduring bonds with his siblings. From them, he learned the values that shaped his life—kindness, compassion, generosity, resilience, and, of course, how to turn a wrench.

Norman lived with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to those he held dear. Most people knew him simply as Norman. As a teenager, Norman spent countless hours in front of the mirror perfecting the picking out of his afro, using a sheet of paper to make sure it was all around even. This led to his younger brothers, Charles and Moochie, affectionately calling him “Pretty,” the family’s nickname for him. He attended St. Mary’s County Public Schools.

Norman’s childhood was anything but ordinary. Once, after kicking up dust on her car, his sister Dianne locked his bicycle in the car as punishment. Norman didn’t take kindly to this, so he picked up a rock, smashed the hatchback glass, and retrieved his bike. Nothing else was locked inside a vehicle from him. Growing up on Sunnyside Road meant countless days spent turning wrenches and changing oil and tires. Inspired by his older brothers, Junior and Roosevelt, and their love of fast street cars, Norman developed a passion for horsepower at an early age. Music was always playing, and friends were always welcome to pull up a chair, have a beer, and talk about cars. Norman truly lived life a quarter-mile at a time. Whether installing an engine or transmission, performing tune-ups, waiting for the Christmas tree lights to drop, or chasing the perfect ET (elapsed time), the drag strip was his sanctuary. He became a fixture at Maryland International Raceway in Budds Creek, known not only for his skill behind the wheel but also for readily offering fellow racers a tool, a helping hand, or advice in the pits. Some of his happiest hours were spent covered in grease, surrounded by the scent of race fuel, and working on the beloved 1969 Chevy Camaro he co-owned with his brother Moochie. He loved roaring engines, burning rubber, and the close-knit drag-racing community. If a car could go faster, Norman and his brothers Roosevelt and Moochie would find a way to make it happen. Norman also enjoyed trips with his siblings to visit their sister Jackie in Hampton, VA.

Norman, once a Baltimore Ravens fan, allowed his brother Charles to persuade him in becoming one of the biggest Washington Commanders fans. At any given time you could spot him in the burgundy and gold asking, “How about them Skins?”

Norman worked as a laborer for the Maryland Environmental Service (MES) in Landover, Maryland, providing general maintenance, operations, and construction support until health complications forced him to resign in 2024. Prior to that, he worked for various companies in the DC/MD/VA metro area as a laborer.

Perhaps Norman’s greatest gift was making everyone feel like family. He never met a stranger and formed lasting friendships wherever he went. His dear friends Lorne “LG” Gross, Francis “Possum” Hill, Zachary Stewart, and Darnell “Hinkley” Young quickly became family, as reflected in the affectionate nicknames he assigned to them each. His generosity knew no bounds, and his home welcomed everyone with love and acceptance. If he met a single woman, “Pretty” was sure to flash his green eyes and offer a smooth line.

Norman leaves a legacy of laughter, speed, and unforgettable stories to his sons, Kenneth Dickerson, Wandell Somerville, and Desmond Dickerson; daughters, India Johnson and Alexia Dickerson-Kent; bonus children, Da Juan Somerville and Charlesia Scott; grandchildren, Tristan Dickerson, Jeremiah Johnson, Julian Collins Jr., Ka’Lani Collins; Kensley Dickerson, Ayla Kent, and Amazi Kent; brother, Charles Dickerson; sisters, Dianne Thomas, Shirley M., and Mary Dickerson; sister-in-law, Lori Dickerson; dear friend, Jackie Gunn; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, racing buddies, and countless friends whose lives were forever enriched by knowing him.

Norman was welcomed in the Final Winner’s Circle at Heaven’s “Pit Stop” by his loving parents, Aubrey and Loretta Dickerson; stepmother, Shirley T. Dickerson; brothers, John “Junior,” Roosevelt, Carnell, Patrick, and Francis “Moochie” Dickerson; sisters, Linda Bush, Audrey Dickerson, and Jackie Dickerson-Ballard; and sister-in-law, Dorothy “Tootie” Dickerson.

Beyond the track, Norman was a devoted father, brother, uncle, and friend who brought the same passion, loyalty, and love to his family that he brought to racing.

Pallbearers are his nephews: Robert Bush, Sr., John Dickerson, Sr., Brian Bush, Sr., Kevin Dickerson, David Dickerson, and Tori Carter. Honorary pallbearers are Lorne Gross, Francis Hill, Zachary Stewart, and Darnell Young.

Celebration of Life Services

Friday, November 20, 2026

Gospel Tabernacle of Prayer Clements, Maryland

Visitation: 10:00 AM Funeral Service: 11:00 AM

Family and friends are invited to come together to honor Norman's life, celebrate his memory, and offer comfort and support to his loved ones during this difficult time.

The family sincerely appreciates the outpouring of love, prayers, and kindness extended to them as they navigate this season of loss. For those who would like to make monetary donations you can do so directly via the link below

https://www.rmtfunerals.com/services/merchandise2

Though the race of life has ended, the memories will forever ride on.

Professional Services Entrusted To: RMT Funeral Home P.A.301-857-2040www.rmtfunerals.com