‘God shone’ through wife of Presbyterian minister who lost her cancer battle on Friday

A church minister’s wife who lost her battle with cancer on Friday has been praised as “a special person through whom God shone”.
Twitter image of Rev John Dickinson with wife ChristineTwitter image of Rev John Dickinson with wife Christine
Twitter image of Rev John Dickinson with wife Christine

Christine Dickinson, wife of Rev John Dickinson of Carnmoney Presbyterian, was a social worker by profession and a much-loved member of the church family in Newtownabbey.

In a social media message on Friday, Rev Dickinson said: “At 4.38am this morning Christine lost her battle with cancer. Sleep peacefully, my sweetheart until the day breaks and the shadows flee.”

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One friend responded: “So, so saddened and shocked to hear about Christine. She was such a special person through whom God shone. She always amazed us by her ability to remember everyone’s names. We will pray that God will surround you all John and give you strength at this difficult time.

Among the many tributes, another friend said: “John, I have known Christine for many years through her work in adoption services and can say how deeply saddened I was to hear this news from colleagues. Christine was everything a social worker should be with her dedication, integrity and passion for her work.”

A funeral notice described Mrs Dickinson as the “dearly loved wife of John, much-loved mother of Esther and Phil, David and Joy, Matthew and Laura, Hannah and Lewis, devoted grandmother of Lucy, Caleb, Charlotte, Elle and Jude.

The funeral cortege to Carnmoney cemetery on Monday will pass through Dalewood to Ballyhenry Road at 12.30pm with friends and relatives invited to pay their respects whilst maintaining social distancing.