Port Norris Legends

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Joanne Hickman
Recognized as a Living Legend of Port Norris on April 22, 2023

 

By Connie Jackson
Presented by PNHS Member Robin Berry

Good afternoon. My name is Connie Jackson and my Mom is Joanne Hickman. She is the only child of Doris and Burn Foster and has been married 62 years to my Dad Erv Hickman. They moved to Port Norris in 1961 after renting an apartment in Millville for a short time. She has two children, me and my brother, Larry, Four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Mom spent most of her early life growing up in Beaver Dam in Downe Township. In 1958, she won the title of “Miss Dividing Creek”. She graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1959 and began working at a finance company and then in the banking industry. She was a stay-at-home Mom for several years; returning to work in the Commercial Township School Cafeteria. Later she drove a school bus for Dagastine’s on a Millville High School Run. Eventually, She found her way back to the banking industry until her retirement in June 2002.

Mon always had an adventurous spirit. In her younger years, she enjoyed water skiing; even though she never learned how to swim. We all had motorcycles and enjoyed trail riding on the weekends and Mom got her motorcycle license and had her own street bike, along with my Dad. In June 1997, at 57 years old, she drove a Nascar at Dover International Speedway reaching 11 MPH. We all enjoyed many camping trips over the years; some of the notable places were to Gettysburg, Harpers Ferry and Cherrystone.

She is a member of the Port Norris Historical Society and had previously held the post of treasurer. She is a past member of the Port Norris Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary and still volunteers at many of their events. She is a member of the Louise E. Moore Senior Center and volunteers at many of their events.
She also crochets afghans for the Prayer Shawl Ministry at the Port Norris United Methodist Church.

When she was in her uppers 70’s, her doctor had to tell her to slow down, saying she wasn’t as young as she used to be. So, her Hobbins these days are Thursday afternoons at Bob’s Garage for country music and crocheting. She recently gave some tips to her Great-granddaughter, who recently started crocheting.

Mon seems to have a knack for finding a home for almost everything. When there is something, we no longer want but I too good to throw away, we give it to her and she will find someone that needs it. I don’t know how she doe it, but she does.

I have learned many things from my Mom over the years and feel fortunate to still have her in my life. She has always had a kind and generous heart. Even though she is small; she is mighty. She is no push over and she will fight for her family an what is right. I am happy she is being recognized today. It is well deserved.

I came across a poem called Dedicated Hearts by Kelly Roper that describes my Mom perfectly.

Dedicated hearts like yours
Are not so easy to find.
It takes a special Person to be
So generous and Kind.
To care so much for other people,
Is a quality all too rare.
Yet you give of your time and talents,
For all in need to share.
So, Thank You for being a Volunteer
We’re all privileged to work with you.
Please know how much you are appreciated,
Not just today, but the whole year through.
Thank You,