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Saturday, August 13, 1994 -1:00 P.M. BethelA.M.E. Church Augusta, Georgia 
* * * 
Reverend Lorry Hudson, Pastor 
 
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Many people spend all of their lives paddling soft water. Bertha Mae Thompkins Hickson was not destined to be one of those people. She was the firstborn child to Jasper and Carrie Thompkins on April 1, 1912 with six brothers and sisters (Tommy, Beulah, Frances, Robert, Marion, and Jasper, Jr.) to follow her. In those days, the oldest child naturally assumed major responsibilities for caring for younger siblings. Bertha adapted well to this "grown up little girl lifestyle" and excelled in her responsibilities. 
Bertha left that household and became the wife of the late Rev. C. W. Hickson. Soon she would be in the mothering business again, but this time as mother to her own children, Cyrus, Jr., Bertelle, Lillian, and LeJeune. So what does a mother do who is serious about the business of mothering? Well, first, she begins like Bertha by leading her children into Christianity. Bertha joined Bethel when she was 12 years old. She enjoyed her affiliation with Choir #2, the Mazie Perry Board, and the Stewardess Board. Being serious about the business of mothering means that one develops a quiet strength in God, and Bertha Hickson epitomized that strength. 
Since Bertha left Haines Institute at the end of sixth grade she had very limited resources, but she had a quiet strength that won many wars for her family. Along with her husband, she was intent that all four children would receive a college education, and they did. Her innate nature of mothering was not confined to her children alone. She was at ease in caring for many other children who needed her. Hence, she was dubbed, "Big Mama." 
This compassionate, pleasant, loving mother will be missed by many: three daughters, Bertelle Jones, Lillian Goodlett, and LeJeune Hickson; three sons-in-law, Charles Jones, John Goodlett, Sr., and Walter McDonald, Jr.; five grandchildren, Agatha Jones, John Goodlett, Jr., Shanette Goodlett, Ingrid Ellison, M.D., and Cyrus Ellison; two great grandchildren, Brandon and Kayla Jones; one brother, Jasper Thompkins, Jr.; and a coterie of other relatives and friends. 
Bertha devoted her life to excellence in mothering. The quiet passion that she carried for mothering is a legacy for the world. The business of mothering is serious. 
 
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Rev. Larry Hudson, Officiating 
 
MUSICAL PRELUDE 
 
PROCESSIONAL .............. "I Come To The Garden Alone" 
 
PRAYER ............................... Rev. Larry Hudson 
 
SCRIPTURE Old Testament ....................... Mr. Charles C. Jones New Testament .................. Mr. Walter McDonald, Jr. 
SOLO ................................ Mr. Samuel Blackwell 
 
READING OF THE OBITUARY .................................. Silently 
"Come, Ye Disconsolate" 
 
REMARKS 
 
Mr. Wattie Stewart Mr. John Goodlett, Sr. 
 
SELECTION.......................... Hannah-Stephens Choir 
 
EULOGY ........................... Dr. C. LeJeune Hickson 
 
SOLO ................................ Mr. Samuel Blackwell 
 
CLOSING REMARKS ..................... Rev. Larry Hudson 
 
RECESSIONAL ............ "IfYou Miss Me Singing Down Here" 
 
INTERMENT ..................... Walker Memorial Cemetery 
 
 Bethel A.M.E. Stewards 
Bethel A.M.E. Stewardesses 
The family of Bertha Mae Thompkins Hickson is deeply grateful for the wonderful expressions of love through visits, cards, money, food, prayers, words of expressions, and telephone calls. We have been strengthened through your sincerity and your kindness. May the peace of the Lord be with you. 
THE FAMILY 
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Services Entrusted To DENTS UNDERTAKING ESTABLISHMENT 
Augusta Georgia (706) 722-4809