Sally Hickerson, 86, of Knoxville, Illinois died 11:40 a.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at her home of gallbladder cancer.
She was born September 3, 1934, in Galesburg the only child of Gale Edward and June (Cullen) Ward who owned and operated the former Gale Ward Sporting Goods Store.
She graduated from Galesburg High School in 1952 and from Monmouth College in 1956 where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She married Dr. Robert Hickerson, Jr. on July 30, 1955, in Galesburg which began a 65-year marriage. They moved to Chicago after graduating from college where Dr. Hickerson continued his medical education and she taught school at Morton East High School in Cicero, Illinois, and later worked at the University of Illinois College of Medical admission department. They became the parents to three children, Steven (and Leslie) Hickerson of Kissimmee, Florida, Julie (and John) Lencioni of Wheaton, Illinois, and Dr. Stuart (and Angela) Hickerson of Williamsfield, Illinois. They were also grandparents to seven grandchildren, Natalie, Robert, Ursula, Ceara, Gayle Ward, Aubra, and Clayton and four great-grandchildren, August, Vada, Ethan, and June. The family moved to Knoxville in 1962 when Dr. Hickerson opened his medical practice. After the family was raised, Sally worked for her husband for twelve years as his bookkeeper, retiring in 1992. She served on the board of the Louise T. Harrington Home and served as president of both the Knox County Ladies Medical Auxiliary and Chapter AM PEO. Her interests include investing, snow skiing, golf, playing Bridge, and traveling where she visited Scotland, England, Italy, Sweden, and all fifty states. Most of all, Sally loved her family and spending time with each of her children and grandchildren.
As Sally requested, cremation will be accorded. A private family memorial service will be held. Memorials may be made to Nora’s Home, 8300 El Rio, Houston, Texas 77054, or Galesburg Rescue Mission and Women’s Shelter. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
