Mary Hurley Hickman

Mrs. Mary Cropper Hurley Hickman, 100, wife of the late James Robert Hickman and a lifelong resident of Atlantic, VA, passed away Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Riverside Shore Rehabilitation Center in Parksley, VA.

Born December 30, 1915 in Atlantic, she was the daughter of the late Charles Cropper Hurley and Mary Parsons “Manie” Hurley. When her mother died at an early age, Mary returned from Longwood (then State Normal) College to help run the house for her father and brothers.  Later she returned to college at William and Mary.  During WWII, Mary worked as a draftsperson providing electrical schematics for military equipment designers in Philadelphia, PA.  After the War, she returned home where she held many positions over the years including teacher’s aide; bookkeeper for the family business, J.R. Hickman Produce Company; and clerk for the former Montgomery Ward, Maxine’s Gift Shop, and Judy’s Flower Shop, all in Parksley.  Although she enjoyed working, Mary remained dedicated to her church, her community, and her beloved family.  She was a devoted member of Atlantic United Methodist Church; a charter member of the Atlantic Fire and Rescue Company, where she was also very active in the Ladies Auxiliary; and a former officer and member of the Temperanceville Chapter #88, Order of the Eastern Star.  Mary will be remembered for her unwavering faith, loyalty, and compassion.     

Survivors include her two loving children, Barbara Hickman Rhodes and husband Joseph of Reisterstown, MD, and Charles Robert “Bob” Hickman and wife Sandra of Atlantic; her grandson, Kevin Wayne Rhodes and wife Elizabeth; and several nieces and a nephew.  In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her two brothers, Dennard and Peyton Hurley.   

Funeral services will be held at the Atlantic United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 1:00 p.m., with The Reverend Maury Enright officiating.  Interment in the Parksley Cemetery will follow a reception in the church social hall.  There will be a visitation at the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home on Friday, May 27, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Atlantic United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 159, Atlantic, VA 23303, or to the Atlantic Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 207, Atlantic, VA 23303.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.