The Gates Swung open for Bertha Hickerson on June 2nd, 2020 at her residence in Hope, Arkansas.

Bertha was born on September 17, 1945, in Chidester, Arkansas to the late Mattie Lacefield and the late Rev. Johnnie Harris.

She joined Mt. Zion C.M.E Church when she was nine years old, and remained a faithful member until death.  Bertha loved church and wore many hats.  She was president of the Usher board, Chairman of the Steward board, served on the Trustee board, and the Missionary Society.  She loved working with children in the church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mattie Lacefield, Rev. Johnnie Harris, and stepfather, Horace Lacefield; four brothers, John Henry Harris, Richard Harris, Simon Harris, Sr. and Willie Lee Harris; one sister, Dorthy Dunley; one grandchild, Mallory Ware Harris; a special brother-in-law, Dr. Robby Turner, Sr.

Bertha was a hard worker and didn’t mind working.  She was employed at Spears Carpet Mill for eight years, Hudson Foods for ten years, School of Hope for five years, Pine Hope Nursing Home for five years, Department of Human Services for ten years, and Loving Arms Preschool/Daycare for six years.

Bertha loved children.  She had a Diploma in Early Childhood and was a Foster Parent for 33+ years.

Bertha was married to John Tony Hickerson.

Bertha, Mommy, Grandma Bert, Granny, Ms. Bertha as most of the children she kept called her leaves to cherish her memories seven children.  Five sons, Richard (Sandra) Harris of Hope, Michael Dennis of Mineral Springs, Charles (Michelle) Dennis of Flint, MI, Thsombe (Nicole) Phillips of Wichita, KS, Theodore (Destiny) Hickerson of Fayetteville, AR; two daughters, Greta Hickerson of Hope, Heather (Ferrando) McGough of Fayetteville, AR; one godchild, Javonta Martin of Hope, AR; five sisters, Cynthia Turner of Hope, Jackie Velcoff, Patricia Haney, Gwendolyn Harris of Nashville, AR, Mary Hill of Jefferson, AR; three brothers, Elder Luther (Helen) Shaw of San Diego, CA, Jerry Harris of Mineral Springs, Eddie (Mary) Harris of Nashville, AR; stepmother, Annie Harris of Nashville, AR; 19 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and lots of friends.  She was a people person.

Family hour for Mrs. Hickerson will be 6-8pm Thursday at the funeral home.  Funeral service will be 11am Friday, June 12 at Mt. Zion CME Church in Hope.  Burial will be at Cave Hill Cemetery in Hope.  Arrangements entrusted to Hicks Funeral Home, Inc.