Martha Hickson

Mrs. Martha Hickson, age 74, passed away on July 22, 2026 at Piedmont Hospital in Snellville, Georgia. She was born to the late Fred and Effie Dixon in Belle Glade, Florida on September 30, 1951. It was from those humble beginnings that she was able to develop her compassion and desire to diligently work to assist anyone she could, no matter who they were.

Martha attended Lakeshore High School in Belle Glade, Florida towards the end of the Civil Rights Era. During her junior year, she was among the first group of her peers to integrate Riviera Beach High School in Riviera Beach, Florida. After graduating with the class of 1969, she began her post-secondary education at a local community college in Palm Beach County.

A few years later, Martha married Lester I. Hickson Sr. and they established residence in Warner Robins, Georgia. There, Martha completed her Bachelor's degree in Early Elementary Education at Fort Valley State College (now Fort Valley State University). She served as a dedicated teacher having taught for over 20 years in both the states of Florida and Georgia respectively.

Anyone who saw her interact with kids could only conclude that she was an educator. Because of her God-given talents, Martha connected with young people and gracefully imparted to them the lessons she learned throughout her life. The enthusiasm she had for learning was reflected in how she approached each school year. Despite the extra hours, difficulty of the job and the many different personalities she worked with, she didn't grit her teeth in times of frustration. She continued to smile and adjust her approach to reach those she was engaging

Even during challenging times, Martha relied on her faith while putting others first.She was a dedicated Christian wife and mother. Martha took the time to point out the blessings in her life to her children as kids and into their adult lives so they could understand and relate to the goodness of God. She set the tone for her grandchildren by sharing books and songs about Jesus and encouraging them to put him first in their lives. She lived the example of a devout Christian and held the same expectations for all of her children and grandchildren.

Martha's loving and nurturing manner reached people from all walks of life. She opened her home and heart to those in need. Martha Hickson's generosity knew no bounds. She was an integral part of the lives of many. Martha spoke her mind and shared strong convictions in a polite and understanding way, with her Christian values ever present.

Martha is survived by her eight children: Kelli Hickson, Kristi Hickson, Lester Hickson II, Karlus Hickson, Joseph Hickson, Adria Hickson, Isaiah Hickson, Marcus Hickson; four grandchildren: Jalyssa Hickson, Tyler Hickson, Kaleb Hickson, and Ivey Hickson; her cousin Roderickus Sullivan; her twin sister Mary Dingle and her children; Tia Dingle, Chiquita Dingle, and Herbert Dingle II; her brother Johnny Fred Dixon and his children; Johnny Fred II and Jaden Dixon; (Betty Lou Burney) Carla Ling, Toi McDowell, Courtney Burney, Sherri Burney, Sharon Burney; (Fred Dixon) Shree Adams, Leon Dixon, and Ameshia Kinsey; as well as a host of nieces,

nephews, and cousins. Martha was preceded in death by her siblings, Claude Dixon, Fred Dixon,and Betty Lou Burney.