Ruth Bickham

Mother Ruth Bickham, a cherished matriarch, was born on January 12, 1933, to the late Joseph Walker, Sr. and Estelle Hooks Walker in Bromley, Alabama. On April 9, 2025, at the blessed age of 92, God sent a special angel to escort her home to Glory. Mother Ruth's journey began in her hometown, where she was educated and graduated from the segregated schools of Bromley, AL. In 1952, she moved to Monticello, NY, with her sister, the late Pastor Delores Walker Williams, becoming a resident of Monticello for over 70 years. She met and was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Deacon Clifford Bickham, Sr., and this union was blessed with ten sons and two daughters. Her spiritual journey commenced at Bethlehem Temple in Bromley, AL, where she was baptized as a youth. After high school, she ventured north to Monticello and continued her faithful walk at Bethlehem Temple Church, where she received the Holy Ghost. Under the leadership of the late Pastor Martha Finn and Bishop Mervin Armstead, she devoted over 70 years to her church, becoming an integral part of its history, and holds the distinction of having the most years of membership in the church's history. She was a truly gifted Sunday School teacher and everyone enjoyed her teachings. She also served as Treasurer of the Missionary Department and was a member of the Missionary Choir. Mother Ruth was a faithful servant of the church, taking on roles that ranged from interior decorator to janitor, always eager to lend a hand wherever needed. Bethlehem Temple gave her the title of "Sergeant of Arms" because, though she was small in stature, she had a big presence and guarded the church doors during services. She was a proud graduate of the ETTA Certified Teachers program of the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith, Incorporated (PCAFI, Inc.), and Assistant Secretary of the Global Missions Department in the New York, Pennsylvania and New England States (NYPANE) Council. Well-known for her elegance, Mother Ruth was always perfectly dressed, complete with matching hats, purses, and shoes, and could always be found seated on the front pew during services. Mother Ruth was a beacon of light in a dark world, her life an example in both word and deed. She lived the life she sang, taught and testified about. She was a beloved pillar of Bethlehem Temple, supporting the mission wholeheartedly and financially. Her favorite songs included, "When I See Jesus, Amen," "Lord, I Just Want to Thank You," "Down Through the Years God's Been Good to Me," and "Another Day's Journey and I'm So Glad." A true lover of life, she enjoyed hobbies such as sewing, antiquing, attending auctions, and exploring flea markets and yard sales, and would travel many miles to attend one. Her collections could fill an entire house with furniture, bedding and clothing, and she often hosted yard sales at her home. Mother Ruth welcomed friends and family into her home, which became a haven over the years for the saints visiting for councils and revivals. Mother Ruth was also an avid horticulturist, actively nurturing her garden and creating beautiful outdoor spaces with hand-crafted animals. She will be remembered for her honest and forthright nature, speaking her mind, her strength, determination, and kindness. A woman of deep faith, she believed in divine healing. She demonstrated her love for Christ through her selfless service, love, and support to others. Mother Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She embraced the scripture that says, "Endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ," for she faced many challenges in life, especially the loss of her two sons. Mother Ruth was indeed a beautiful flower, spreading her fragrance among mankind. She lived life to the fullest, traveling for family vacations and to councils and conventions to fellowship with the saints. As we bid our matriarch and eldest niece of the Walker family a farewell, we will miss her warm smile, words of wisdom, and unwavering encouragement. Though her earthly journey has ended, we are comforted by the assurance that she has joined the host of those resting from their earthly labors who await the glorious reunion in the sky when the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with the sound of the Archangel and the dead in Christ shall rise first! Mother Ruth leaves to cherish her memories her sons: Clifford Bickham, Jr. and John (Samantha) Bickham of Monticello, NY; Willis (Yvette) Bickham and Irwin Bickham of Rochester, NY; Glen (Rose) Bickham, Sr. and Aaron Bickham of Severn, MD; Ralph Bickham of Glen Burnie, MD; and Chris Bickham of Loch Sheldrake, NY; two daughters: Vera (Joey) Bickham and Angenette Bickham of Monticello, NY; her adopted grandson, Glen (Sham) Bickham, Jr., of Rochester, NY; and her granddaughter, Alicia (Joshua) Harrison of Jonesboro, GA, whom she raised as her children. She is also survived by four sisters: Liserie Walker, Alinda Tomlinson, and Judy Pugh of Monticello, NY, and Claudine Maxwell of Atlanta, GA; 37 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, saints, and friends. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; two brothers, Joseph Walker, Jr. and Jeffery Walker; three sisters, Delores Williams, Aletha Walker, and Vera Walker; and two sons, Charlie Bickham and Dennis Bickham. Eight days after Mother Ruth's passing, her son Clifford Bickham, Jr. was also called home on April 17, 2025.