Shema KoiAmi Dickinson

In Loving Memory of Shema KoliAmi Dickinson, 51 of Landisville, PA passed away at home on July 18, 2026, with his family by his side. Born on March 24, 1975, in Coatesville, PA, Shema was the husband of Rhiannon Levan, son of Edward S. Dickinson, III and the late Antonia F. Dickinson.

Shema attended Octorara Area School District and later moved where he completed his schooling at Solanco High School where he graduated in 1994. He attended Millersville University.

Shema built a respected career in manufacturing. His intelligence, work ethic, and natural leadership led him to a respected Foreman at Y&S Candies, where he faithfully served for over 15 years and earned the respect and friendship of countless coworkers.

Shema’s passion for basketball started at an early age. Many days and nights always with a basketball in his hand. Playing at Minch Park every day. He was a fierce competitor, especially with his brothers Hector, John, Eric, and sister Kim. They pushed each other on and off the court. Basketball was their foundation and shaped them for life. Shema’s love of basketball wasn’t simply about winning, it was about discipline, teamwork, and believing in yourself. He had another dear friend who joined the fold through basketball, Angel. Those lessons would become the foundation for the way he lived his life. The team has a lifelong bond that is unbreakable or beatable!

He later shared the love of basketball and the lessons it teaches with his three sons. He coached Damon and Desmond at Solanco, teaching far more than the fundamentals of the game. He taught respect, accountability, perseverance, and how to carry yourself with integrity. Later, he devoted countless hours to coaching and supporting Miguel’s basketball journey, filming games, studying footage, offering encouragement, and celebrating every accomplishment. Shema made sure his sons always knew someone believed in them.

But if you asked Shema what his greatest accomplishment was, it would never have been a job title or basketball. It was family. There was no question but more like a must that his niece Saaleha would stay at his place when she was on summer break from college and working in Lancaster. He was the proud uncle eager to share advice and give guidance. Becoming “Pop-Pop” to Dallas, Journee, Maverick, and Daxton filled him with a joy that was impossible to describe. When you add his great nephew Justin he had big dreams for his next basketball team.

The caring understanding thoughtful man Shema became was from watching his example, his dad. His dad continued to be that always present role model for the last six months of his life. They shared many intimate talks, vibrate debates, meals, sporting events, and a quiet understanding of life’s purpose. His dad also shared what it looked like to be a loving husband. The characteristics of constant support, provider, protector, and a fair preparer who was able to admit his mistakes were key. Shema applied all that to his marriage and being a loving husband to his wife, Rhiannon. A love that was not expected but grew in faith, perseverance, mutual respect, and unconditional love!

Shema possessed one of the sharpest minds anyone could encounter. He was endlessly curious, deeply thoughtful, and always learning. Books were his sanctuary. Knowledge was his passion. Then came the diagnosis that changed everything. Through it all he chose transparency over silence. He courageously documented his journey so others could learn, so families could understand, and so African American men, who face significantly higher risks of prostate cancer, would be encouraged to get screened early and know their family history. Even while fighting for his own life, he found ways to lift others. His Facebook “Smile Campaign” reminded people that kindness costs nothing and that hope is contagious. Some people leave behind accomplishments. Others leave behind memories. Shema left behind something even greater, people who are better because they knew him.

Shema is survived by his father, Edward S. Dickinson, III, his beloved wife, Rhiannon Levan; his sons, Damon Kreider (Jenissa), Desmond Kreider (Samantha), and Miguel “Papi” Pena; his treasured grandchildren, Dallas, Journee, Maverick, and Daxton Kreider of Lancaster, PA; his sister, Kim Dickinson (Robert); niece, Saaleha Johnson, great-nephew, Justin Pooler, Jr. of Coatesville PA; his brothers, Leon “Hector” Brown (Kristen) of Parkesburg, John Miller, Eric Miller; his dear friend Angel Raspaldo (Amy) of Lancaster PA, and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, lifelong friends, coworkers, teammates, and everyone fortunate enough to call him family.

He was welcomed into eternal peace by his beloved mother, Antonia F. Dickinson (Beckett), whose memory he carried with him always. Shema’s legacy is not measured by the years he lived, but by the lives he changed. Interment is private.

Please join the family on Sunday, September 20, 2026, to celebrate the life of Shema. Celebration will be held at Hibernia Park, Pavillion 1 at 1:00pm. Come and bring your smile.