Sarah Elizabeth Hickman Oliphant went to her heavenly home on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023. She was born on May 11, 1922 at the family farmhouse in Stockton, Md. Her parents were Henry Preston Hickman and Margie Disharoon Hickman.
Lib was valedictorian of her senior class and upon graduation attended Salisbury State College. She received a BS degree in elementary education and proudly led students through their educational journey for 40 years. Lib’s passion for teaching children was evident in the public school system and in a Christian setting. She was a grade level coordinator, taught Sunday School, organized VBS and Junior Church. She also helped in God’s Squad.
During her lifetime Lib had a joy for equestrian activities and collected different breeds of horses. She loved socializing with her friends, taking various trips across the country, playing card games and dominoes, and a yearly trip to the beach. She was an avid reader and Sudoku solver. Lib was well known for her family dinners. The last one she prepared was at the amazing age of 96.
Lib was preceded in death by her loving husband of 73 years, Robert L. Oliphant; two brothers Alvin Hickman and John Francis Hickman and a sister Audrey Pusey, and also a son-in-law Glenn H. Lyburn.
Lib is survived by her daughter Lynn Oliphant Lyburn and son Robert H. Oliphant (Tammy); her grandchildren Jonathan Lyburn, Adam Lyburn (Amber), Samantha Pickard (James), Taylor Oliphant, Kelsey Oliphant, and Alexis Oliphant. She has three precious great-grandchildren, Thea and Halle Pickard, and Avonlea Lyburn.
Lib was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, cousin, aunt, mother-in-law and affectionately called “Mom-mom Ollie.” Lib will be remembered as a woman who followed Christian principles and was obedient to God’s Word.
A celebration of Lib’s Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1 at the Connection Church, 28714 Seaford Road, Laurel, Delaware 19956. A viewing will be held at the church from noon-1 p.m. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel.
Many thanks to mom’s caregivers the last four years, especially Barbara, Shea, Renee, and staff of Vitas Hospice. Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Oliphant’s honor to Connection Church, P.O. Box 60, Laurel, Delaware 19956.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.