Lillie P. Hickerson

 Lillie P. Hickerson of Springfield, MA entered eternal rest on August 31, 2021, at home surrounded by her loving family.  Lillie was born on March 5, 1925, in Colfax, Louisiana, the sixth of eight children, born to Albert Patterson Sr. and Lillie (Young) Patterson.   Lillie received a B.S. in Business Administration in 1947 from Southern University and a M.Ed. from Springfield College in Guidance and Psychological Services in 1978.

 Lillie loved God and family. Children held a special place in her heart.  She was a longtime member of the Presbyterian Church serving in many capacities; Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, President and Treasurer of the Women’s Association, Worship Greeter, Fellowship Hostess, Clerk of Session and Elder of Christ Presbyterian Church in Springfield, MA where she has been a member since 1980. She was named Elder Emeritus of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in 2014.  Lillie was an active member of Church Women United (CWU) since the 1980s having served as Vice President, President, Spiritual Life Chair, Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer.  She was presented with the Valiant Woman Award in 2008 from the organizations National Office.

 Lillie worked for Springfield College as Secretary/Administrative Assistant to the Registrar as well as Affirmative Action Officer/Personnel Director.  She served as the Colleges representative to the American Association of University Women and in 1982 chartered a branch of this organization in the Greater Springfield area.  She retired from the college in 1990 after sixteen (16) years of service.  Five years later, she returned to the work force part time at the City of Springfield's Department of Elder Affairs where she served as Clerk and subsequently as Assistant Director/Counselor of the SHINE program. She was recognized by the Commonwealth of MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs in 2008 for her distinguished and dedicated service and again in 2012 for her service and dedication to the seniors in Springfield. She returned to retirement in 2013 while volunteering her services in the SHINE program for another year.  She received a certificate of recognition from the Elder Affairs Department in March, 2015.

 Lillie was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for seventy four (74) years and is a charter member of the Springfield Alumnae Chapter where she served as Charter President from 1981-1983 and again as President from 1991-1993.  She also served as Recording Secretary, Historian, Chaplin and on various committees. She was recognized by the Hartford Alumnae Chapter in 2007 for visionary spirit and service.

 Lillie was dedicated to community service.  While living abroad in Bangkok, Thailand, for two years, she was active in the community teaching English to Thai citizens and volunteering at the local library.  She was also a City of Springfield Read-A-Loud program volunteer for several years.  She served tirelessly on the Board of Directors of the Springfield Girls Club Family Center, twice as President and as Chair of the Personnel Committee.  She was selected as Board Member of the Year in 1999, received a Service Award in 2006 for over twenty (20) years of service and the Distinguished Service Award in 2009 for exceptional leadership and devoted service to the Center.  In 2009, she also received a Citation from the Commonwealth of MA for twenty- seven (27) years of dedicated service as a Board member.  Lillie was honored to be a recipient of the 2016 Stone Soul Legacy Award, an award presented to individuals of the Springfield community who demonstrate a strong passion for community, exemplify superb qualities of professionalism, and serve the community with a positive attitude. She was recognized by Mayor Domenic Sarno at her 90th birthday celebration where he proclaimed March 5, 2015, as Lillie P. Hickerson day in the City of Springfield.

  Lillie is predeceased by her parents, five brothers, two sisters, her loving husband, Atty. Joseph A. Hickerson II, and a son, Joseph A. Hickerson III.  She leaves her daughter, Gail M. Walls (and W. Calvin Walls, Jr.);   a daughter-in-law, Ruby Gasque (and Robert);  three grandchildren, Amber C. Haywood (and Eduardo), William C. Walls III, and Kristen M. Walls;  one great grandchild, Donovan Haywood;  one sister-in-law, Bonnie Hickerson;  and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends to cherish her memory.

 Walk through wake hours are from 10 am to noon on Friday, at Christ Presbyterian Church, 1597 Allen Street, Spfld., MA, followed by a life celebration service at noon.

Masks are required.

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