Deaconess Virginia Mae Hickman

The Obituary “I have fought a good, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” —Timothy 2:7 Deaconess Virginia Mae Hall Hickman was the second oldest daughter born to the late Ralph Henry Hall, Sr. and Queen Esther Harley Hall. She was born in Florence, South Carolina on June 16, 1924. The family relocated to Richmond, Virginia when her father obtained employment here with the Seaboard railroad company. Deaconess Hickman was blessed with four siblings; two of which are now with the Lord; Deacon Edna Vaughan, and Ralph Hall Jr. She is endeared to her remaining siblings Mamie L. Cephas and James E. Hall, Sr. She along with her siblings grew up in the Jackson Ward section of the City of Richmond. She attended Baker Elementary School, Booker T. Washington Middle School and was a member of the first graduating class of Maggie L. Walker High School in 1942, home of the “Mighty Green Dragons.” During her tenure at Maggie Walker while pursuing general studies she also received certification in the area of cosmetology and was a devoted member of the Maggie Walker Choir. Deaconess Hickman joined The Mount Carmel Baptist Church under the pastorate of Dr. Rosamond Kaye. She has been a dedicated and devoted member of Mount Carmel for over 70 years. God gifted her with a beautiful voice, which she used to glorify God in the church’s choir. She also dedicated herself to ministry through the Missions Organization, Church School and other ministries of the church. In 1989 she was consecrated as a Deaconess and continued to minister faithfully to God’s people through her service as a Chaplain with the Deaconess Conference of Richmond and Vicinity until she became the primary caregiver for her sister Edna and brother Ralph. She was emeritized as a Deaconess on Sunday, December 21, 2014. During her time at Maggie Walker, she became the object of the affection of Washington Alexander Hickman, Sr., an Armstrong “Wildcat,” which were arch rivals...especially on the football field! Though it was believed that a Dragon and a Wildcat could not co-exist in peace, Virginia and “Wash Hickman” as she so fondly called him forged a beautiful relationship. While Wash lived on Oak Street he would be sure to walk to Maggie Walker and escort her back home after each choir rehearsal . And so, as the Lord would have it in the fall of September 1942, they were joined together in holy matrimony. “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.” From this union were born five wonderful, doting children; four of which are now resting with the Lord; Virginia (Skeeter), Washington, Jr. (Butch), James (Yobo) and Rudolph (Rudy). She was employed with Miller and Rhoads Department Store and retired from there after more than twenty years of service. During her tenure with Miller and Rhoads she made custom slipcovers and draperies at the Fourth Street Warehouse. Her family well remembers her industrial Singer Sewing Machine with the foot pedal. One of her most prized possessions. “She seeketh wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands.” Deaconess Hickman was a virtuous woman for “her worth was far above rubies.” She has always made a warm and loving home for her family and children. She would be up late in the night fixing those shoebox lunches for field trips, she was a Room Mother for all of her children. Because of her ability to sew, she made all of her children custom costumes whenever they were in a play, and she spent many hours helping make decorations for plays, and baking cakes and cookies for her children’s class. But more importantly she told them about the goodness of the Lord. “Her children rise up and call her blessed.” Their home was always open to those who needed rest, relaxation and replenishment and was jokingly called “Do Drop Inn” because any and all would be welcomed and find comfort be it Catherine Street, Leigh Street, 29th Street or Third Avenue. “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor, yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.” Her parents were also the apple of her eye and she cared for her mother and father until the Lord called them home. She has given of her time, talents and resources to her family, church and community. Having several family members married in their home and living with them; having special dinners for all of the holidays or “just because.” “She will do good all the days of her life.” Virginia made sure that her children knew the Lord. While she took Linda with her to Mt. Carmel, her sons attended Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church with their father. Her grandfathers on both sides of her family were ministers. She could be sing hymns and reciting scripture all through the house. Her melodic voice would fill the house and we soon picked up the hymns and scriptures. Even though we attended service on Sunday morning, we also had our own family worship service every Sunday Evening and called ourselves “The Hickman Family Singers.” She leaves to cherish her memories her devoted family; daughter, Rev. Linda Hickman-Pearson (Rev. Anthony); one adopted son, J. Maurice Hopkins (Yvonne); one brother, James E. Hall, Sr. (Ruth); one sister, Mamie L. Cephas; 13 grandchildren, Pastor Derwin L. (Co-Pastor Franswella) Hickman; James Jr. (Darnella), Jerard, Candace and Jade Hickman, Bishop Jefferson Porter, IV, Candice, Devin and Jamar Burrell, Sara Donawa, Adia Dobbins, Adam and Louise Pontonporo. Ten great-grandchildren; Derwin, Jr., Dymon and Immanuel Hickman, Kennedy Clements, Jayden Hickman, Jada Porter, Avi Donawa, Julian, Najilah and Zarah Pontonporo, one brother-in-law, Sterling Hickman, two sisters-in-law, Gwendolyn Hickman and Ivy Hall, one goddaughter Rev. WilheminaScott-Hunter, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends including other devoted family and friends including Patricia L. Hickman, Maggie Brown, Marie Hightower, Anthony Easter, Rodney Rogers and Sarah Meadows. “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord; she shall be praised. Giver her of the fruits of her hands and let her own works praise her in the gates.” - Proverbs 31:29-31

Tributes

Deaconess Virginia Mae Hickman

June 16, 1924 - May 16, 2019