Elizabeth P. Hickey

Betty Hickey passed peacefully into heavenly glory on October 11, 2025, after a long illness. Betty was born on July 4, 1928, growing up in Campostella in Norfolk, Virginia, the youngest of seven children. She graduated from Maury High School and attended William and Mary extension, now ODU. Betty was married to John Hickey for 54 years and had two daughters. She was a loving homemaker devoted to her husband for many years. Late in life she became a receptionist and bookkeeper for Dr. Buchanan and Ossen, optometrists.
Betty was a born-again Christian baptized at Campostella Heights Baptist. Her love to serve others led her to serve in many capacities. She was Brownie Troop Leader of Troop 554. As a charter member of Woodland Heights she ministered as Greeters leader, led the shut-in program, children's Sunday School and mission group, women's missionary groups, WMU district Song Leader, Vacation Bible School teacher and staff, Senior Citizens Club member and many committees. Her beautiful soprano voice sang for the glory of the Lord all her life including children's, adult and directing the Senior Saints Choir. Betty volunteered in an after school Georgetown Elementary reading program and as a Friend of the Library setting up book sales.
Betty loved to cook hosting Sunday Dinners for her children, grandchildren and friends for over 60 years. She hosted 4th of July family reunion pool parties every year. She hosted her Senior Citizen group picnics in her backyard. Out of town relatives were always welcomed to spend the night with her. She was an accomplished seamstress making clothes and linens.
Betty was a people person and a good listener and confidante. She made thousands of delicious chocolate butter Easter eggs for family and friends. She was an avid fan of her husband's sports activities including football, baseball, bowling and softball as a team member and coach.
Preceding her in death was her loving husband, John M. Hickey and son-in-law, Mac McMahan, and all her siblings. Betty is survived by her daughters, Beth (Frank) Leonard, and Cathy McMahan; and by her grandchildren, Eric (Brandi) McMahan, Jason (Megan) McMahan, Keith (Tammy) Leonard, Elizabeth Clemons, and Matt Leonard. She has great grandchildren, Austin, Luke, Brooke, Riley, Max, Reese, Ethan, Riley, Tyler and Reagan. Betty is survived by many close nieces and nephews who celebrated holidays with her each year.
Betty will be missed for her encouraging, caring, Christian example. Her cheerful, positive attitude consistently exemplified wisdom and love for her Lord Jesus, country, family, church and friends. "Well done thy good and faithful servant" enter thou into the joy of the Lord.
Heartfelt thanks to the loving staff at Stonehaven Adult Home including Luci, Del, Nene and Mohammed.
The family will receive friends, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 10am at Woodland Heights Baptist Church, Chesapeake. A service to celebrate her life will begin at 11am with Dr. Steve Moses and Dr. Ken Barnes officiating. Following the service the family invites you to join them in the fellowship hall for a reception. She will be laid to rest at 2pm at Riverside Memorial Park, Norfolk. There will be no procession. Please plan to arrive at the cemetery by 1:45pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to Woodland Height Baptist Church designated for Capital Funds or FARA, Friedreich's Ataxia Research Association.
Please visit grahamfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence to the family.