Tributes

Please click the link for livestreaming..https://www.facebook.com/share/v/SBs4NUQCmhH63oM1/?mibextid=qi2Omg A miracle happened 68 years ago. A passionate Evangelist, Preacher, Teacher, and a Lover of Mankind, came into this world. He made his grand entrance May 2,1956, in the midst of a terrible tropical storm. The late Alvin Hickman, Sr., and Celia Anna Bell Hickman had to hitch up a mule and cart to get to Good Shepherd Hospital, in New Bern, North Carolina for his delivery. They named him Michael Deval Hickman. Michael’s dad, Alvin, Sr., would frequently tease him about the way he came into this world by saying; “Michael rowed the boat ashore.” Mike, as he was affectionately known by all those that knew him, never stopped rowing even though there were times when his oars broke. Hallelujah! Mike received his primary Education in New Bern Public Schools, and secondary education in Clark County Public Schools, attending Rancho High School of Las Vegas, Nevada. His work history consisted of McCarran Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada, City of Greenville as a Custodial Supervisor, and Better Connections Inc., as a Direct Care Professional, until he took his rest in Jesus. His journey through life reminds us of the Apostle Paul; doing his own thing first and then later receiving and accepting the call from God. At the age of 25 he re-dedicated his life to Christ, became a faithful member of Ebenezer SDA Church in Greenville North Carolina, and became a powerful mouthpiece for God warning people to repent, and accept the “Free Gift” of salvation from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As life continued, the things of this world became dimmer and dimmer to him. Mike decided he wanted to be a light in the darkness he felt was surrounding him, so under the unction of the Holy Spirit Mike matriculated to Oakwood (College) University majoring in Theology and Family Life Counseling. His educational pursuit opened doors for many Interim positions in the Seventh Day Adventist Church arena, Franklinton, Smithfield, Lillington, Clinton, Kinston, Radio Broadcast, Morning Glory, and Sabbath Morning Telephone Ministries. Michael Deval Hickman, Sr. knew his call-in life. He became wrapped up, tied up in the Gospel, giving finances to those in need along with the Word, and again like Apostle Paul, Mike’s mission statement was, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate “Me” from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38 (ESV) In 1982 Mike needed a Christian lady to complete him, and someone that would embrace a godly home. Annie Ross was the beautiful soul whom he fell in love with. Their union lasted for 42 years. They raised three handsome sons, Malcolm, Jamie (Latasha), Michael Jr. (Stylee), and a beautiful daughter, Tosha. His legacy continues with his five grandchildren: Dr. LaQuanda Gorham, DiJon Mezekiah Overton, Jayme and Jayla Wilson, and Lotus Hickman, as well as one great-granddaughter, Londyn Person. He leaves to grieve him, two sisters, Ann Smith (Willie), and Vanessa Days (James); one uncle in-law, William Blake; two aunts in-law, Kathie Hickman, and Shirley Hickman; sisters-in-law, Brenda Clemons, Ruby Dell Brown, Sandra Hickman Turner (Reuben), Terry Ross and Yvette Hickman; brothers in-law, Frank Kennedy, Bobby Ross, William Earl Ross (Betty Jean), Larry Ross (Sonya), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and last, but not least, his client "Michael" whom he loved and served faithfully. After a short illness Michael laid his head to rest at Universal Healthcare on August 1, 2024. He was proceeded in death by six brothers, and four sisters, Allen, Robert, Morris, Alvin Jr., Clifton, Donald O’Neal, Shirley, Cherry Jean, Melba, and Brenda. We will miss his laughter, his encouragement, his wisdom and his loving ways. His faith will forever inspire us to hold on to God’s unchanging hand. Until that great getting up morning, we leave you Michael’s Favorite Scripture: “I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: The humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt his name together.”~ Psalm 34: 1-3 (KJV)

Tributes

Mr. Michael Hickman

May 2, 1956 - August 1, 2024