Verna Ruth Cook Hickman

Mrs. Verna A Hickman, daughter of the late Bill Cook and Maudie Fletcher Cook was born November 8th, 1933, in Pittsburg, Texas. Verna attended the public schools of Camp County and was a graduate of Center Point School. As a girl, Verna attended the Center Point Baptist Church, where she was baptized. Later in life, Verna moved to Oakland, California and joined the Bible Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church where she remained a proud and faithful member for over 70 years. One of the greatest joys of her life was serving diligently as an Usher, under the leadership of Rev A.Q. Wes, also of Center Point.

As a young woman, Verna was blessed to marry her first love Leslie Mills. They were married in Linden, Texas in 1950, at Leslie’s family home. They were blessed with five sons, four of whom preceded her in death, Herschel, Van Artis, “Danny Boy” Sylvester and most recently Kenneth Ray Mills in June of this year. Their marriage ended amicably in 1971 and they remained loving friends until his passing in 1994. Not long after, in a chance meeting, Verna reconnected with a childhood friend. W.D. (Dub) Hickman and they were married in 1995. Although their marriage ended, Verna and Dub remained great friends until his passing in 2015.

Verna Ruth was a true globetrotter. She often touted the many cruises she had taken over her lifetime, “seven by land and two by air.” Verna was fun, loving, very outgoing, never meeting a stranger and prided herself in not being a pushover. From her demeanor to her Sunday suits, she was as sharp as a tack. She was an avid card player and often enjoyed a chance at the tables, teaching most of her nieces and nephews at least one or two tricks. Among the many joys of her life was spending time with friends and family over a well-prepared meal. Her generous nature attributed to her many years of helping the youth at her church.

Mrs. Hickman quietly departed this life on November 9, 2022, one day following her 89th birthday. She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, Donald O’Hara Mills, (Debra Ann) of Oakland, CA. Verna was the last surviving child of her 21 siblings, most recently losing her dear sister Mrs. Frankie V. Jackson and Mrs. Sarah E. Trimble earlier this year. Verna will forever be etched in the hearts of her 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family and surrogate children, namely the Espinoza family. A life well lived, indeed.

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