Edith Hickman

Edith Elizabeth Mulkey Hickman, 98, of Soddy Daisy, TN peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 surrounded by family at the home of her son.

She was born on November 18, 1922 in Cleveland, TN to the late Frank and beloved mother, Cloe Waller. She was one of seven children which included a twin brother with whom she had a special connection in her last months even though he passed at the age of 19.

Edith was preceded in death by her husband, David Mulkey Sr., with whom she married and started a family in Soddy Daisy. She lived in the home that he built until the summer of 2020 when she moved in with her son and daughter-in-law. She was a member and church organist at the Soddy Church of God for 32 years, as well as the organist at Daisy Church of God for 5 years. She worked as a teacher's aide at John Allen Elem for 8 years, and taught piano in her home for 50 years, launching many accomplished pianists. She and David Sr. directed a teen girls' choir at the Soddy Church and won first

place in the national competition at the Church of God General Assembly in Dallas, Texas. Music was her gift from God and her lifelong ministry. She passed that talent on to her daughter and other church pianist.

While she was still able, her hobbies included gardening, meticulously maintaining her lawn, and hosting holiday and weekly Sunday dinners for her family. Her recipes are still the center of many family traditions. She loved flowers, greeting cards, visits, and apple pies. She was frugal and resourceful, partly due to growing up in the era of the Great Depression and living the majority of her adult life alone, following David's sudden passing in 1974. She had a no-nonsense way of speaking, and delivered truth and practicality in her speech. She was tough and smart, and had a will to survive.

Those who knew her well were privileged to a glimpse of her witty humor, which she delivered with a broad grin. Much of her time here on this earth was spent in quiet conversations with her Lord and Savior, praying for loved ones, and for wisdom that he generously bestowed upon her. Heaven knows the impact her prayers have made, and continue to make.

Edith was blessed to have a late-in-life companion, Robert “Bob” Hickman. He showed up at her front door and proposed to be her second husband. He happily took on the role of partner, comedian, and grandfather to Edith's existing family for 10 years, before illness ended his time here with us.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, David Mulkey Jr. (Linda) and Marilyn Russell

(Ronnie); her grandchildren, Rusty (Jennifer) Russell, Jonathan (Kimi) Mulkey, Ryan (Marla) Russell, and Bethany (Houston) Duke; great grandchildren, Noah Armstrong, Weston & Levi Duke, Brynlee Mulkey, Jake & Chase Lowrie, Bob's children and grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, extended family, and her special long distance phone friend, Billy Jane Redden.

Memorial donations are suggested to be made in her honor to Hospice of Chattanooga- Dayton (www.hospiceofchatt.org), who have been indispensable and compassionate caregivers in her last months, while living with David and his wife.

Special acknowledgement to her 24/7 caregiver and daughter-in-law, Linda, for her last ten months. Her selfless dedication made Edith's last days comfortable and full of love and attention to her every need and desire.

The family will have a private graveside service.

Arrangements made by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory in Soddy Daisy.

Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com

Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.