Betty Jane "Bj" Hickman

Betty Jane "BJ" Hickman, 79, of Selmer, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Betty's life was defined by her unwavering faith, her compassion for others, and her boundless generosity of spirit.
Born on August 7, 1946, in Hickman, Kentucky, Betty was the eldest daughter of William Harold Brunswick and Dorothy Mae Barr. As the oldest daughter of six children, she naturally took on the role of caregiver and nurturer, helping raise her younger siblings with love and strength that would come to define her throughout her life. She grew up in California before later making homes in Missouri, Tennessee, and Florida-each place benefiting from her warmth, kindness, and steadfast devotion to family.
On November 1, 1986, Betty married the love of her life, George Hickman. Together they built a marriage founded on faith, partnership, and service. In the early 1990s, Betty became a preacher's wife, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to supporting George and the churches they served. Her presence in the congregation was one of quiet strength; she ministered not through sermons, but through acts of love, listening, and genuine concern for those around her.
For many years, Betty worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, spending her career in nursing homes, where her natural gift for caregiving shone brightly. She saw every patient and resident as family, extending comfort and kindness in every task she performed. Her compassion and work ethic left an indelible impact on countless lives.
Beyond her work, Betty found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved to shop-especially at yard sales and thrift stores-always on the lookout for a hidden treasure or a good bargain. She had a creative spirit and spent many happy hours crafting and doing arts projects. A lifelong learner, she also loved reading, often with a warm cup of coffee in hand.
Betty never met a stranger. She could strike up a conversation with anyone and would make them feel as though they'd known her for years. Loyal, practical, and endlessly caring, she was known for her tireless dedication to others. Her proudest achievements were her children, grandchildren, and extended family, all of whom she loved fiercely and unconditionally.
She is survived by her husband, George Hickman; her children Jerry Elmore, Megan Hickman, Vickie Stout, Stephanie Hickman, and Dina Como; her sister, Linda Mae Denney; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her children David Elmore, Juanita Wilson, and Krystal Riggs; her parents, William Harold Brunswick and Dorothy Mae Barr; and her siblings Dottie Louise Brunswick Goddard, Jimmie Harold Brunswick, Danny Ray Brunswick, and Brenda Kay Brunswick.
Betty Jane Hickman's legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.