Edith Cavell Bickham

Ms. Edith Cavell Bickham, age 86 of Pittsboro, NC transitioned to eternal rest Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Alamance Regional Medical Center.
The Obituary
Edith Cavell Bickham was born on December 4, 1938, in St. John's, Newfoundland before it became a province of Canada. She always said, "I'm Newfie by birth and Canadian by act of Parliament." She passed on May 29, 2025, at Alamance Regional Hospital in Burlington, NC. Her premature son, Donald Wayne; her parents, Edith Cavell Ebsary and Leonard James Clarke; stepfather, William John Mauro, and one brother, Leonard James Clarke, preceded her in death. She leaves behind a sister, Clarice Rosalie Welsh, two daughters and their husbands, four grandchildren, one great granddaughter, countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Edith married an American service man in 1957, and they moved to Texas shortly after. She earned a certificate from Nacogdoches Business College. They divorced in 1960, and she moved to California where her mom and stepfather lived. There she worked as a dance instructor in Pomona and gave birth to her oldest daughter, Victoria (Vicki) Lynn Parks in 1965. She began working as a pharmacy clerk and had her second daughter, Melissa Dale Tijerina in 1972. From there she worked as a PBX Operator at Montclair hospital until she moved to Apple Valley, CA in 1979 and went to work at Victor Valley Hospital. She was actively involved in her Nazarene Church in Apple Valley and loved singing in the choir.
1983 was a hard year for her; she joked it "nearly killed me". Her oldest daughter, Vicki, got married to Christopher Lynn Parks, turned 18, graduated from high school, moved to NC and gave birth to Edith's oldest grandson, Michael James Parks. In 1991 Vicki's second son was born, Eric Robert Parks. She always disliked that she didn't get to be with them growing up, but enjoyed their company when they were older.
Eventually, Melissa graduated high school and went off to college, graduating with a degree in English Education. In 1997 Melissa married Arnold Garcia Tijerina III and Edith gained a step grandson, Tyler Anthony Pufpaff.
Edie began losing her site around 2000 but continued to work. At the time she was working for Moses House Ministries, a non-profit helping unwed mothers. Even with her vision issues, she remained a caretaker for her stepdad and mom until their passings in 2004 and 2007 respectively. She would often take a bus from work to their home to prepare meals and do laundry and then have to take the bus back home.
In 2006 Edith's first and only granddaughter, Katelyn Nicole Tijerina, was born to daughter, Melissa. She was the light of Edith's life. In 2008 she finally retired and moved to Moreno Valley, CA to be close to Melissa and Katelyn. She lived independently despite her continued loss of vision. Katelyn would often visit, and they would have picnics at the "zebra" (gazebo) at her apartment complex.
In 2012 She moved to NC to stay close to family. She moved into Powell Spring Sr. Apts in 2013 only a year after it opened. There she found a wonderful group of neighbors and friends. She began the PACE program in 2014 just a few months after it opened, determined to stay independent as long as she could. She was one of their biggest advocates, being interviewed multiple times for articles and research. Edith was blessed to have so many loving people in her life.
In 2015 Eric's daughter was born and Leah Jane Parks became Edith's first and only great-granddaughter. She would often save coloring pages for her and make things to give her. Seeing her and being with her were some of the best moments in her last years.
Edith was a generous soul; she lived a modest life and shared everything she had: never forgetting a birthday or anniversary, giving to charity and donating food at Christmas. She gave of herself in every way possible, even donating her body to UNC School of Medicine for medical research. She taught us the importance of being thankful. She always thanked everyone who helped her, even stopping the janitors at the hospital to let them know their job was important too.
She had an amazing sense of humor, always joking and kidding with everyone around. In her later years, she said things often popped out of her mouth before she thought them. She would think "Was that me? Did I say that?" and then realize, YES, it was. She would tell you her goal in life was to make you laugh. She also loved her solitude: enjoying books on tape and music from her Alexa. Her favorite color was blue, and she loved butterflies. She is resting peacefully now in the garden of Eden with the butterflies.
Two memorial services are being planned.
Friday, June 13, 2025, at 1pm at the PACE Center, 163 Chatham Business Dr., Pittsboro, NC 27312
June 21, 2025, at 11am in the 2nd floor multi-purpose room at Powell Spring Apts, 600 Millbrook Dr. Pittsboro
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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Pittsboro, NC