Franchie Berdene Hickman

Please keep the family and friends of Frenchie Berdene (Pye) Hickman in your thoughts and prayers.  Frenchie was Heaven Sent December 14, 1931 and Called Home October 15, 2021.

Frenchie was born in Arthur City, Texas on December 14th, 1931 to Clinton Pye and Mirrie (Littlejohn) Pye. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Mark United Methodist Church. Frenchie graduated from Arthur City School from the 8th grade on May 18th, 1945. Frenchie graduated High School in 1949 at 17 years old. Frenchie was a Coach for the basketball team in high school. She started College in September 1949, three months before turning 18. On August 15th, 1954, Frenchie graduated from Wiley College, a Historial Black College in Marshaill, Tzms. She received her Bachelor's of Science Degree. She was in the Choir and was a Coach of the basketball team also in college. She worked while she attended college. On, June 12, 1955, She met and married Carl Edward Hickman, whom she met in college. They moved to Sapulpa, Oklahoma. After being married Frenchie, was a Social Worker for the Alma Illery Health Center, Homewood-Brushton area of Homewood, for about 20 years. She did all the Social Work on foot, helping to get Thanksgiving food, Christmas food and toys, clothes, money vouchers, food stamps; in the snow and all types of weather. She was concerned with your health and well being. She loved helping the parents and children in the community. She helped with other resources around the City of Pittsburgh. She was known throughout the Homewood-Brushton Community area. She also worked in Paris, Texas for several years, in the early 80's. She also worked in the nursing around the City of Pittsburgh. She work for the University of Pittsburgh, 1988-1999, before retiring. She would always say she started working at the 3 years old. Frenchie, also took night classes to further her education for her job as a Social Worker. She would always say you can learn something new every day and you're never too old to learn, bible knowledge or whatever you needed to do to be successful.

Frenchie, was a member of Nazarene Baptist Church for over 55 years and sang and lead songs in the choir. When she joined Nazarene, Rev. Pettit was the Pastor. Then under the leadership of Rev. Ricky Burgess Frenchie was able to go to Jerusalem, Israel for about 21 days, in 1997. It was such a major spiritual life changing experience for her and all that went on the trip. She had the privilege of being baptized in the Jordan River in Israel, by Rev. Gary Sims. All who went on the trip were in awe to have walked and seen the exact places where Jesus was born, died and was resurrected. The places Jesus walked with his disciples and preached; where miracles and
healings took place. She was able to see and witness the Bible for the true Word of God. To see it manifest right before her very eyes. Frenchie loved the Lord, family and friends. She would always say she would never turn back. Wherever she went she always let her light shine for Jesus. She had the Gift of Healing; The Leaves of the Tree were for the Healing of the Nations. - Revelation 22:2.

She leaves to celebrate her life and truly cherish her memories her sons:Allen P, Marshall and wife, Paula of Arlington, TX:
Daniel C. Hickman ( wife Priscilla deceased) of Pittsburgh, PA Daughters: Karen J. Jones and husband, Michael of Norwalk, CA; Beverly A. Hickman of Pittsburgh, PA. Grandsons: Aaron P. Marshall, his wife LaVri of Arlington, TX; Flennoury C. Wilks-Jones of Omaha, NE.

Her parents also preceded her in death Clinton Pye and Mirrie (Littlejohn) Pye of Arthur City, TX. All of her siblings preceded her in death. Brothers: Banks L. Pye of Byhalia, MS; Melvin A. Pye of Arthur City, TX.Sisters: Lennie B. Marshall of Arthur City, TX; Autry J.Williams of Arthur City, TX; Vernice Peoples of Omaha, NE; Genola Bailey of Pittsburgh, PA; Almeta Pye of Arthur City, TX.