Helen Christine Hickman's Obituary
Helen Christine Edwards Hickman, known to family as "Chris", departed this life and entered Heaven, rejoicing on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on May 31, 1935, in Oaks, Oklahoma, Helen was the daughter of Cordy Noe Edwards and Earnest Edwards, and member of the Cherokee Nation.
Helen spent most of her life in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before moving to Collinsville, Oklahoma. She was a proud graduate of Tulsa Central High School, class of 1953. On January 16, 1954, she married her beloved husband, Robert Lee (Bob) Hickman, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Their marriage was a testament to their enduring love and all the adventures they shared along the way. To this union, Helen and Bob were blessed with three children: Daniel, Katherine, and Sheryl.
Throughout her life, Helen worked in various capacities, contributing her talents and skills to Catoosa Public Schools, JCPenney, Lowrance Electronics, State Farm Insurance Offices, Redbud Grocery Store, and in real estate. Bob's professional journey took she and Bob across many states and cities, but they ultimately settled in Tulsa to raise their family.
Helen was an incredibly talented seamstress, known for her creativity and skill in making custom jewelry and painting beautiful nature scenes and still life. Her artistic endeavors brought joy and inspiration to many.
A devoted member of the Catoosa church of Christ and Garnett church of Christ, Helen was passionate about teaching and helping others. She taught various classes, including children's, women's, and new members' classes, and was deeply involved in the church's bus program and homeless outreach. She enjoyed organizing and teaching in the annual Vacation Bible School, and one of her greatest joys was teaching 5th grade Bible classes for many years.
Helen's community involvement extended beyond the church. She was an active leader in the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of North Eastern Oklahoma. She also volunteered in numerous capacities at her children's schools and taught adult literacy through the local library system.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest Edwards, and Cordy Noe Edwards; her grandparents, William Proctor Burwell, and Bertha Mae Smith Noe Burwell; her husband, Robert Lee Hickman; her sister, Wanita Edwards Straughan; and her brother, Oren Lee (Tom) Edwards.
She is survived by her loving children: son Daniel Lee Hickman (Fay Beamish Hickman) of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; daughters Katherine Hickman-Bell (Stewart Bell) of Aurora, Illinois, and Sheryl Hickman Thomas (Harley Thomas) of Collinsville, Oklahoma. Helen was a proud grandmother to Joanna Hickman, Matthew Hickman, Diana Hickman, Carrie Vargas, Sherri Little, Nathaniel Vargas, Sydney Ragsdill, Corbin Bell, Harrison Bell, Hannah Thomas Clark, and Blake Thomas. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren Carissa Little, Catherine Lavender, Elyse Hickman, Leo Hickman, Bryson Clark, Jayson Clark, and Mayson Clark.
Helen's extended family includes nephews Steve Straughan (Pam Parsons Straughan), Tom Edwards, and Ed Edwards; nieces Dana Straughan Parker (David Parker), Debbie Straughan, Renee Straughan, and Nancy Straughan Earp. She is also survived by great-nephews Jerron Straughan (Lauren Edmondson Straughan) and Zach Parker (Koliel Toni Parker); great-nieces Jenna Straughan Elmankabady (Michael Elmankabady) and Melissa Paige Parker; as well as many great-great-nephews and great-great-nieces.
Helen's family is coordinating a Celebration of Life Memorial Service to honor her life. It will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Collinsville Church of Christ, located at 1010 West Broadway Street, Collinsville, Oklahoma, 74021. A luncheon will follow the service.
A life well-lived and richly blessed in the service of Jesus Christ, Helen's legacy of love and faith will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Helen's honor to the caregivers at North County Assisted Living Facility via Venmo [@Harley-Thomas-9] (https://venmo.com/u/Harley-Thomas-9).
Anyone wishing to send flowers may do so by calling Floral Designs by Floral Haven at (918) 459-1525 or by ordering through the Sympathy Store on our website. Any independent florists may deliver flowers directly to Collinsville Church of Christ. PLEASE NOTE: Any floral arrangements should be sent directly to the church for Helen's service as Floral Haven Funeral Home will not be staffing the memorial service.
Arrangements entrusted to Floral Haven Funeral Home.
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