New York Times bestselling author Eric Jerome Dickey passed away on Dec. 3, 2020, at the age of 59, after a lengthy illness his publicist confirmed (h/t Essence).
Dickey’s novels, including Sister, Sister; Friends & Lovers; and Milk in My Coffee, captured the nuances of Black love, family, life, and sexuality. His books also encouraged many to begin reading for pleasure.
The Memphis native began writing in 1989 and his debut novel, Sister, Sister, was published in 1996. At the time, he had been a software engineer turned substitute teacher. He also moved to Los Angeles to work as an actor and comedian, who wrote his own material, after leaving the engineering field. His last novel, The Son of Mr. Suleman, will be released in April 2021.
After news of Dickey’s death last month broke early this week, many fans of his writing took to Twitter to express their dismay.
RIP #EricJeromeDickey. An open spirit. A genre shifting writer.
— Anika Noni Rose (@AnikaNoniRose) January 5, 2021
The entertainment world has lost another light we speak your name author, #ericjeromedickey rest in peace and power!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/wksEwzwlpk
— Rayceen Pendarvis, HRH 👑 (@RayceenHRH) January 5, 2021
As an avid reader of Eric Jerome Dickey's work "Bad Men and Wicked Women," did not disappoint. The story provides plenty of thrilling moments, and contemporary references—including kneeling NFL players & skin bleaching#BadMenAndWickedWomen #ericjeromedickey #books pic.twitter.com/YmJg6c97FD
— YakimaAB (@YakimaAB) January 5, 2021
Just heard that Eric Jerome Dickey passed. I remember reading his books during my teens. I wish I could thank him for his contribution to African Heritage literature. 🤍🤍🤎🤎
— D e n e é (@ItMustBeEasy) January 5, 2021
Utterly heartbroken to learn that my favorite author, Eric Jerome Dickey, has passed. EJD was a traveler. He wrote with a pen in one hand and a map in the other. No one could describe a place like he could. I thank God for his life and legacy. pic.twitter.com/uMiqO0mtZa
— Cheketa Dawson (@solasingles) January 5, 2021
I don't remember which book it was but I do remember that Eric Jerome Dickey had a sex scene that involved a grape popsicle.
I was intrigued! 😅
— Estelle Petty (@toberead75) January 5, 2021
“It’s one of those things where people go through something but don’t know how to ask for help because they don’t want to disturb the lives of others.” ― Eric Jerome Dickey 📍
— Soledad Francis PhD (@SoledadFrancis) January 5, 2021
Thank you, Eric Jerome Dickey for keeping me entertained many nights. Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/0CYq4xAQu0
— TopNotchTee (@WithLuvFromTee) January 5, 2021
https://twitter.com/rgay/status/1346520176846462977https://twitter.com/thebridgebianca/status/1346533386760777728
I am heartbroken 😭😭😭 Rest In Paradise. @EricJDickey I have read everything you wrote. From Milk in My Coffee to the Blackbird to Gideon. I am going to miss your tweets, your books, just you. Thank you for everything. #RIPEricJeromeDickey #ericjeromedickey pic.twitter.com/PGJqeVB0bJ
— DIONNA BREWER (@IAmDionnaB) January 5, 2021
https://twitter.com/tashalharrison/status/1346533176810872832
I just found out my favorite author passed away. His work changed my life.Encouraged and inspired me to live as I wish. Rest In Peace #ericjeromedickey
— Semi_indy (@IndySemi) January 5, 2021
One of my favorite authors Eric Jerome Dickey passed..this just sucks for real. 2021 already starting off tough 😓
— Denise Baby (@BaddGirlDede) January 5, 2021
https://twitter.com/musingsofrai/status/1346540005083254784
I’m sad to hear of the passing of Eric Jerome Dickey. His novels were so important to my development. Gideon made me a lover of urban fiction. Nia Simone Bijou helped me to understand my own sensuality. Chasing Destiny taught me life lessons.
— Shay Baby 💋 (@SadittyACEKitty) January 5, 2021
