Nancy Gail Hickman (nee Hitchens) of Seaford passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 10, 2020.
Nancy was born on Nov. 14, 1943 in Seaford to Norris and Grace Hitchens. She graduated from Seaford High School in 1961 and went on to receive a degree in Education from the University of Delaware in 1964. That same year, she married Wayne Hickman, and together they raised two sons, David and Timothy, in Seaford.
Nancy loved being an educator and taught fifth grade Math at Frederick Douglass Elementary School for 17 years while obtaining a Masters +60 degree in Education. Meeting former students in and around Seaford who recognized her as their former teacher would always bring a warm smile to her face. After her time as a teacher, she spent the next 15 years at the Delaware Department of Education, bringing a new technology called the “personal computer” to all the schools in Sussex County.
Wayne and Nancy were inseparable and enjoyed traveling together and making new friends on their many cruises all over the world. Early summers were spent sailing on the Chesapeake Bay on the family’s 28-foot sailboat, The Lady Gale, named after Nancy. She was an avid tennis player and earned the title of Club Champion of the Seaford Golf and Country Club in both Singles and Doubles.
Nancy proudly served her community as President of the Soroptimist Club, manager of the club’s Curiosity Shop, President of the Seaford Garden Club, and President of the Board of Trustees for St. Johns United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Delmarva Hosta Society.
Nancy is survived by her husband Wayne, sons David (Marissa) and Timothy (Lea), grandchildren Lilly, Grace and Emily and beloved pets Kirby, Drake, and Boo.
Memorial Services took place on Friday, June 19 at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Pine and Poplar Sts. Seaford.
To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.