Barbara Hickman

Barbara L. Hickman, 98, of Rockford, passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Born January 23, 1927, in Fairfield, IL, the daughter of Melvin F. and Winnifred (Simpson) Blackford. Graduate of Fairfield High School and Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. Barbara married William "Jerry" G. Hickman on February 7, 1953. He predeceased him on July 6, 2003. She was a teacher at Roosevelt for 20 years and a longtime member of North Town Baptist Church. Barbara was an avid reader and craved information. She was also a quilter and about 3 to 4 weeks before she passed, she finished a quilt with all her grandchildren's names on it and did it by hand. Barbara enjoyed watching Star Trek, Murder She Wrote, Hallmark channel and the Discovery channel. She also enjoyed spending time with her family over the holidays.

Survived by her sons, David (Beth Seay) Hickman and Gregory (Jeri) Hickman; daughter-in-law, Sara (Dawn Pozzani) Hickman; grandchildren, David W. (Sara VanHauen) Hickman, Anthony (Tayler Malmstrom) Hickman, and Antonio (Kylie McCarthy) Hickman; great-grandchildren, Brett (Ashley) Webb, Anthony VanHauen, Sophia VanHauen, Riley Hickman, Bella Hickman, Jack VanHauen, Gabby Hickman, Victor VanHauen, Maggie Hickman and Aubriella Hickman; great-great-grandchildren, Annabella Webb, Rosella Webb and Laurella Webb; sister, Phyllis Schmidt; and nieces and nephews. Also predeceased by her parents; brother, Kenneth Blackford; and two infant sons, James and Kenneth. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Swedes and the staff at Senior Helpers in Rockford.

Private services will be held. To share a memory or condolence please visit www.olsonfh.com