Shizuko Hickman

Graveside services for Mrs. Shizuko Hickman will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at New Salem Cemetery in Crews, LA. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 4, 2010 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home. Mrs. Hickman, 74 years of age, passed away Saturday, May 1, 2010 with her family by her side. She was born in Kokura Kitakyushu, Japan on February 10, 1936. Those left to cherish her memory include her beloved husband of 50 years, Nolan Hickman of Natchitoches, LA; daughter, Breta Hickman-Sexton and her husband Robert of Plato, MO; sons, Darrell Hickman of Natchitoches, LA, Johnny Hickman of Fort Worth, TX, and Nathan Hickman of Natchitoches, LA; her granddaughter, Amber Cook of Plato, MO; Shizuko’s very special friend, whom we keep in our prayers, Carlota Gorospe of Colorado Springs, CO; brothers-in- law, J.V. Hickman of Ohio and Howard Hickman of Louisiana; numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. Hickman will be in the prayers of the Colorado Springs SGI organization, which promotes peace and education to those within the Buddhist community. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Nobiyuki Kaji and Mitsaki Kaji. On May 1, 2010, the Angels came to take mom away from her pain and struggles and put her in a better place. Mom, everyday of our lives you will always be in our hearts, souls, and minds and we pray that you will look down and give us strength especially during this time of grief and mourning. Being raised during the Second World War and with her parents passing away at an early age in her life, Shizuko learned to become a strong and independent woman. She arrived in the United States in 1961, amongst racial tension in America, which only added to her resolve as an independent and strong woman. Being the wife of a military man, she was the anchor that held her household together. Always providing for her family and never disappointing by doing all she could for her children and husband. Mother never met a stranger and everyone she met immediately loved her. She was down to earth and always full of exciting conversation. No one will ever forget her beautiful smile. She will always be remembered as an affectionate and loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother and her spirit will live on with her family and friends for many years to come. If tears could build a stairway and thoughts a memory lane I’d walk right up to heaven and bring you home again No Farewell words were spoken No time to say good-bye You were gone before I knew it And only God knows why. Every day that precious face Filled my world with gently love Now you’re with the Angels up above