Allison Dickson

In Loving Memory
September 18, 1979 – October 18, 2023

Allison lived by the motto, “Don’t need easy. Just possible.” Diagnosed with Werdnig-Hoffman Muscular Dystrophy when she was 15 months old, she was given only a year to live. Not only did she defy the odds and survive, but she thrived! Not one to let physical limitations hold her back, she excelled academically and graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Southwestern University. From there, she went on to Baylor Law School, where she graduated first in her class, was a member of the Baylor Law Review, and was recognized as the Baylor Young Lawyer of the Year in 2017.

After her return to her hometown of Temple following law school, Allison was an active community volunteer and philanthropist. She created and endowed three scholarships through community fundraising at her alma maters at Temple ISD, Tri Delta at Southwestern University, and Baylor Law School. Education was her passion, and this legacy will impact generations of future students. The Allison Dickson Just Need Possible Foundation was formed in 2021 to further her philanthropic projects, provide scholarships, and assist many non-profits she supported.

Baylor Law honored Allison in 2023 with the W.R. White Meritorious Service Award which recognizes outstanding service and continued loyalty to the University. She was recognized as a Distinguished Alumna for her service to Southwestern University as well as a Distinguished Alumna of Temple Independent School District.

She continued to serve Delta Delta Delta on the local and National level and was honored as a 2022 Woman of Achievement, which was the highest honor bestowed on a member of the sorority highlights servant leaders, changemakers and philanthropists who have broken bias and barriers to leave indelible marks on their communities. She was named Sustainer of the Year for the Junior League of Bell County in 2021. Affectionately nicknamed “Temple’s Sweetheart,” Allison inspired others daily through her positivity, faith, and determination.

Allison was happiest helping others. Most recently, held her Annual Holiday Toy Drive raising tens of thousands each year for McClain Children’s Hospital to bring a little holiday magic to the halls of the hospital. To further support the institution, Allison launched a fundraiser for a beautiful mural to help inspire and comfort the young patients, parents and loved ones seeking care at the hospital.

Allison was an inspiration to many, but especially differently-abled children who looked to her as an example of how far they could go if they didn’t let anyone limit them. She was recently quoted on this topic by Katie Couric and how Barbie gave her and those children much needed representation with their dynamic doll who used a wheelchair.

In addition to being an Of Counsel member of the Patterson Law Group team, Allison continued to serve her beloved Baylor Law School in a legal research role she held since getting her law degree.

We are honored to continue on with the calling to spread her “don’t need easy, just possible” philosophy throughout our PLG community. Find more about Allison’s causes, fundraisers and philanthropy efforts at JustNeedPossible.com.