Melba Lane Hickman

Melba Lane Hickman, 82, went to be with the Lord very peacefully with her family by her side Thursday evening, November 15, 2007 at Bradley Health Care and Rehabilitation Center. She had been a resident at the facility since August 2005. The family is grateful to the staff of the center for their help and support. Melba was born in Birchwood, Tennessee on February 16, 1925. She was one of twelve children born to the late Will and Edith Lane and was preceded in death by her siblings: Lester, Jack, Burke, Jimmy and Enzinia Lane. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 25 years, Otis Hickman in 1969. She was employed by Cleveland Chair Company for 48 years in the sewing department. She was a faithful member of Faith Memorial Church for more than 50 years. She spent 35 years teaching/mentoring children through Sunday School and the ministries of the Little People?s Church. She loved baking, sewing, reading and completing word search puzzles. She also loved socializing and spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her children: Patricia Louise Hickman and Lindy Otis Hickman and wife Brenda, all of Cleveland. She is also survived by her two grandchildren and spouses: Paul Hickman and wife Crystal, and Kara Choplin and husband Daniel, all of Cleveland. She also leaves behind two great-granddaughters: Lauren Grace Choplin and Emma Cate Choplin, both of Cleveland. She is also survived by her siblings: Helen (Polly) Branham, Ray Lane and wife Betty, Glenn Lane, all of Cleveland, Mary Morgan of Charleston, Willie Brock and husband Ed, and Allen Lane and wife Sally, all of Cleveland. Also surviving are sisters-in-law: LaPhene Lane of Dalton, GA, and Wanda Lane Shannon of Ooltewah; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive. A celebration of her life will be held at Faith Memorial Church Sunday, November 18, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. The celebration will be conducted by Pastor David Riggs and Larry Green. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with special family members and friends serving as pallbearers. The service will conclude with a white dove release ceremony. Her family will receive friends from 5 ? 8 p.m. Saturday at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home. Her family requests donations in her memory may be made to the Faith Memorial Church Building Fund, PO Box 3981, Cleveland TN 37320.