The Golden Spotlight for December is focused on a local native and recipient of at least two FBBC Family and Friend Awards. Sister Joe Ann Hickey graciously responded to several questions and her answers are shared with the Navigator’s viewers.
Q. When and where were you born?
A. I was born January 12, 1952 in Byron, Georgia.
Q. What is your spouse’s name?
A. His name is Ralph Hickey, Jr.
Q. How long have you been married?
A. This December will be 45 years.
Q. Do you have any children?
A. I have three children: La’Keshia Hickey (deceased) Ta’Vares Hickey and Tre’Lis Hickey.
Q. What are your hobbies/interests?
A. Spending quality time with family, window shopping and collecting Angel figurines.
Q. Tell us briefly about your career including activities at Fellowship.
A. I am an elementary school educator with forty years of experience in the state of Georgia. I am currently employed by the Houston County public school sys tem. Have been a dedicated member of the Fellowship Bible Baptist Church for thirty-two years. Taught Children’s Church. Served as Outreach Ministry chairperson and greeter. Currently hold the position of Lead Usher. I continue to evangelize in the community as well as – to anyone, young or old – who may need an encouraging word or inspiration as this is my duty as a Christian woman of God.
Q. How has your career molded you as a person?
A. My career as an educator has always molded and reminded me to keep God first; to be empathetic and charitable; and to love, laugh, and enjoy life.
Q. What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in life?
A. The most important lessons I have learned is to always treat others like you want to be treated, to never pose your standards on someone else, to trust in the Lord, and to always keep your faith.
Q. How would you like to be remembered?
A. I want to be remembered as a person who loves Christ and her family, who is generous to those who are in need, and who always exercises faith in God to get through the good as well as the trying times.
Q. What is “your message” (words of wisdom) to Generations X,Y and Z?
A. My message to anyone is to always seek to learn and learn from your mistakes; to remember through God ALL things ARE possible; and it is okay to give out, but never to give up for Psalm 37:24 states, “Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
Q. What is your “special” Scripture?
A. Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
Written by Elder Isaiah Whittaker Sr.