Nolean Bickham

Published 1:29 pm Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Nolean Fortenberry Bickham was born to the late Abrease and Rutha Fortenberry on Sept. 25, 1934, eighth of the 13 children. She departed this life on June 2, 2018, at her home surrounded by her eight children and many grandchildren. Nolean has always enjoyed working in her yard and going out to eat at Bo’s with a group of ladies.

Nolean was baptized at an early age and was a charter member of Hayes United Methodist Church. At Hayes, she served as the United Methodist Women President, the Sunday School Superintendent and the President of the Senior Choir where she enjoyed singing until her footsteps began to shorten.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her loving eight children, Moses Jerry (Pastor Greaselda), and Phyllis Bickham (Carlo) of New Orleans, Mary Katherine Walker (Burdell) and Charles “Rick” (Deborah) of Savannah, Ga., Sandra Robertson (JT) of Mandeville, Patricia Harvey (Terence) and Tracey McMasters (Reginald) of Franklinton, and Vickey Jackson (Pastor Randle Keith) of Madison, Ala.; three sisters, Mattie Jackson (John) of Franklinton, Laura Funderburk of Chicago, Ill., and Mellow McGowan of Lumberton, Miss.; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Oscar Bickham (Lillian); sisters-in-law, Rose Fortenberry and Bobbie Lee; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Moses Bickham; her son, Steven Bickham; nine sisters and brothers; and Georgie Bickham.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 6, at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m., followed by a family hour from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. Interment will be at Hayes United Cemetery.

The funeral service will be Thursday, June 7, at noon at Hayes United Methodist Church with the Rev. Anice Moses officiating, and the Rev. Keith Jackson, eulogist.

Crain and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Sign the guestbook online at www.crainandsons.com.