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Joan Hickman Obituary
Millville - Joan Sheppard Hickman, 78, of Millville, died Tuesday October 9th at Inspira Medical Center, Vineland, after a lengthy illness. Born at Millville Hospital on June 12, 1940, she was the daughter of the late George Cliffton Sheppard and Volena Jane Sheppard (Weatherby).
She was a proud Millville Thunderbolt, graduating in the Class of '58. She graduated in 1962 from Glassboro State College with a degree in Education. Joan considered the classroom her mission field. She taught for 39 years; 7 of them at Dane Barse Elementary School and 32 at Cumberland Christian School, both in Vineland. She retired in 2007.
She was predeceased by her loving husband of 33 years, George Milton Hickman, who treated her like a Queen until his sudden death in February 2002.
She is survived by her son Thomas and wife Robin of Millville, her daughter Jane and husband John, also of Millville, 4 grandchildren John Thomas, Jorja Grace, Andrew Thomas and Emma Rose, her brother George Sheppard and wife Cynthia of Auburndale, Florida, and many nieces and nephews.
Joan was beloved wherever she went, most recently at the Inspira LIFE program. There she enjoyed new friends, painting class and was even voted Prom Queen at their Senior Prom!
Friends will be received at Rocap Shannon Memorial Funeral Home, 24 N. 2nd Street, Millville on Thursday, October 11th from 6-8pm. Burial will be private. A Celebration Service of Joan's life will be held at Living Faith Alliance Church, 1987 S. Lincoln Avenue, Vineland, on Friday, October 12th at 4pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joan may be made to the Inspira LIFE program or Inspira Regional Medical Center, Vineland.
Written condolences may be sent to [email protected], www.rocapshannon.com or snjtoday.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Hickman
Sponsored by Rocap Shannon Memorial Funeral Home - Millville.
Tom Gramp
July 9, 2021
Her legacy touched many and encouraged us in ways she knew. "A star is born.".
A Student
October 17, 2018
Mrs. Hickman was an inspiration to her students at CCS and will always be remembered for her passionate love Of God. One of the best teachers I had in 16 years of education. May God Bless her family during this difficult time.
October 14, 2018
We are so sorry to hear about our dear classmate.
Joan was an inspiration to all. We shall miss her!
Millville High Class of 1958.
Holly Glogau-Morgan
October 12, 2018
Mrs. Hickman was one of the first teachers to really take interest in me, the awkward, socially inept, teenager who was always writing stories in notebooks. She encouraged me to keep writing and helped me get past some challenges. She's one of the main reasons why my novels exist today. I loved seeing her in church on Sundays as well as seeing her at the school. She was an inspiration and will be missed.
Joan loved painting class. We had a lot of laughs, in the short time that we knew each other. I will miss my Prom Queen 2018.
Nadine Lamb
October 12, 2018
Jon-Mark Grussenmeyer
October 12, 2018
Mrs. Hickman was a phenomenal teacher and an amazing woman of God. I shall never forget the many things that I learned in her class, especially the rigorous training in grammar and writing that she imparted to us all. She played an enormous part in my personal and academic development only two weeks before she went home to be with the Lord, I thanked her for the impact that she had upon my education in the acknowledgements of my doctoral thesis. She never failed to encourage me throughout my high school career and beyond, and I never doubted her when she told me that she prayed faithfully for me. I shall miss her immensely, but I know that her legacy continues in the lives of countless students, friends, and family. My prayers are with all who knew and loved her. Thank you for everything, Mrs. Hickman.
Joan Robbins
October 10, 2018
I have wonderful memories of Joan, as a friend, and as a teacher of my children at CCS Many times she and I would pray together asking God to lead my childfen. She loved teaching and most of all loved her Lord. What an inspiration.
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Oct
11
Visitation
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Rocap Shannon Memorial Funeral Home - Millville24 North Second Street, Millville, NJ 08332
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Rocap Shannon Memorial Funeral Home - Millville24 North Second Street, Millville, NJ 08332
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