Obituaries
In Loving Memory of Willie Ada Hickman
Sunset: August 8, 2024
Life Reflections
Willie Ada Hickman was born on February 23, 1939 to the late Johnnie Gafford and Hattie Ann Williams in Brazos
County, Tx. She met and married Virgil Thomas Hickman Jr., and to this union four children were born.
She grew up in Bryan, TX. She received her education in the Bryan Public School system and graduated from E.A.
Kemp High School in 1957. She also accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Stone City Baptist Church
in the Brazos Bottom. She later moved to Bryan and joined West Union Baptist Church, and then joined Mt. Vernon
Baptist Church where she was one of the founding members. She remained there until her death.
For over 55 years, Willie Ada was a faithful, dedicated worker in the home of Dr. and Mrs. Robert H. Benbow. Willie
Ada was a loyal and faithful member of Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, serving in various capacities of
leadership. She was active in the choir, the usher board, and mission.
She was a member of Central Texas Garden Club, a board member of the Bryan Housing Authority, and an active
member of Project Unity. Not only was she a board member of the Bryan Housing Authority, but she also lived
there for 65 years where she became a mother to many.
She was preceded in death by her husband, sisters Janette Hedge, Ann Robinson, Novella Garrison, and her brothers
Leon B. Gafford, Lawrence (Hotshot) Gafford, John L. Robinson.
Willie Ada loved her family. She leaves to cherish her beautiful memories her sister Virginia (Z.B.) Lewis, sister-
in-law Faye Gafford of Dallas, Tx, two step sisters, Jean Graham and Wilma Stewart, both of Ft. Worth, Tx three
daughters, Cynthia Sabbs of College Station, TX, Marcia Smith of College Station, Tx, Virgia Thomas (Leroy) of
College Station, Tx, and one son, Virgil Thomas Hickman III of College Station, Tx; three special children, Mark,
Winky (Melanie), and Priss Benbow; goddaughter Pamela (Jimmy) Teal; grandchildren Markeith (Rhesa) Hickman
of Houston, Tx, Alicia (Mikul) Carter of Bryan, Tx, Kavia Thomas of College Station, Tx, Cullen (Ann) Sabbs of
Gilbert, AZ, Terry Smith Jr. of College Station, Terrance Smith of College Station, Tx, Dematria (Creighton) Goffney
of Bryan, Tx, Terica Smith of College Station, Tx, Keith Herron of Ft. Worth, Tx, India Hickman of Ft. Worth Tx,
Shaquala Herron of Jacksonville, FL, Travis Thomas of College Station, Tx, Natasha Thomas of Huntsville, Tx, and
Rodrick (Stephanie) Thomas of Waco, Tx; a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and best
friends Valerie Martin and Sandra Hanks.
Funeral Service: Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 11:00 A.M.
Living Hope Baptist Church
4170 Texas 6 Frontage Road
College Station, Texas 77845
Visitation Service: Friday, August 16, 2024 from 11:00A.M. until 7:00P.M at Daniel & Son Funeral Home located at 401 West 18th Street Bryan, Texas 77803
Live Streaming: https://www.facebook.com/share/YzB4c1q6FhWbrUyH/?mibextid=K35XfP
6 Comments
Mrs. Willie Ada was a wonderful, living person who pretty much adopted all of the kids on Westside as her own. When I became an adult, she became my sweet friend. We always shared a good conversation, a laugh, and a hug! She was indeed a pillar of the community and left a wonderful legacy in everyone that knew her. She exuded love and kindness. Our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and everyone who knew her.
To the Hickman family
So sorry for the lost of your Mom,
she was a part of our family for as long as we can remember
May she rest in peace
Valerie and Children
Charlotte, Lolita,Donald,Gary and Shun
Ms.Hickman was like my other Mother was always keeping me in line..
My condolences to the family. I pray that
pleasant memories will forever comfort you
With love
Aunt Faye
I’m so very sorry to hear Mrs. Willie passed away.
My condolences to the family. May the the Lord comfort you and give you strength during this time.
Karla Sandlin
Our prayers and condolences to the family. Mrs Hickman was such a sweet soul. May she rest in peace 🙏 Mo and Marilyn Hill