Joyce S. Hickey Obituary

OBITUARIES

On July 28, 2022, Joyce S. Hickey, 86, lost her final battle with kidney disease but won the “war,” enjoying life well beyond her diagnosis with composure, compassion, and a great sense of humor.

Born in Massachusetts to Ruth Evelyn (1912-2003) and William A. Clem (1912-1996) she attended George Washington High School in Alexandria, Virginia. She married James A. Hickey (1932-1988) in 1954 and they raised their three children — Cynthia Gregory, Donna Web (1958-2001), and Jason Hickey. In the 1970’s, Joyce began working for the Naval Engineering Facilities Command and after 20 esteemed years, she moved on to a position with the Defense Information Systems Agency, where she retired in 1999. She was an active member of Job’s Daughters for many decades and served as Grand Guardian of Virginia in 1984.

Upon her retirement, Joyce moved to Chapel Hill for a slower pace of life and to be near her sister Audrey Bauman (1937-2010). She volunteered at the Chapel Hill Senior Center for several years, coaching others on basic computer and technology skills. Joyce was an avid sewer and needlepoint enthusiast. She enjoyed making everything from stuffed animals to dresses, and even a few fashionable face masks during the COVID epidemic. She also enjoyed gardening, baking, bird watching, morning walks, and travel.

Joyce led a very active and independent life right up to her very last day. An inspiration to her family and all who knew her, Joyce will be missed, but never forgotten.

There will be a private graveside service at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery on August 4 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital [stjude.org.]

Fame is vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wings.
Only one thing endures and that is character.

— Horace Greeley (1811-1872)

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