Sue Carolyn Eubanks Hickam was born November 16, 1939, in the Possum Valley Community. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Willard Hickam; her parents, James Sylvester Eubanks and Eva Mae White Eubanks; and her brother, Jerry Eubanks.
Sue was a life-long resident of Drew County. She devoted her life's work to being a great wife and mother. She also had a dedicated career of elementary education and special education work. She completed 34 years of education experience with 14 of those as a Monticello School District Principal. She was honored to be the Principal of the Year for the State of Arkansas while she was at Monticello Intermediate School.
Sue Hickam had a hand in helping educate thousands of students and she mentored and grew many teachers throughout her career. She educated back in the day when teaching was an art and it meant something for a kid to be sent to the principal's office. Sue swung a mean paddle!
What many may have not known about Sue was that she had an enormous passion for the outdoors where she was an avid fisherman, deer hunter and was an obsessive turkey hunter. She was full of class and bling but yet she loved her coveralls and boots.
She loved her career but she loved her family and community more. She was married to and spoiled Willard Hickam for 52 years. She had two children, Clark Hickam and wife Sharon of Monticello and Stacey Hickam Belgard and husband Jimmie of Deville, LA; one brother, Eddie Eubanks and wife Leona of the Possum Valley Community; five grandchildren, Jordan Hickam Carter and husband Daniel, Hunter Hickam (Sammi & Kynlee), Jake Hickam (Emmalee), Bailey Belgard and Colby Belgard; one great grandchild, Kai Hickam; along with a host of nieces and nephews that loved her.
Sue was a member of Green Hill Community Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School. She made many hunting, gardening, canning, cooking, and many playful memories with all her grandchildren.
Sue battled dementia later in life and finally moved off the family farm to become a resident of The Grand Manor for 7 years of her life. She loved her time at the ''Grand'' saying, ''they wine me and they dine me.'' Eventually she moved to Belle View Hospice Care where she passed due to her declining health.
The family appreciates all who helped to care for her during her declining health over the years. Thank you to all her friends and family that continued to check on her and pray for her.
Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church. There will be a visitation Monday evening at the church from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Burial will be in Green Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church. You can sign Sue's guestbook page at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(14)
Judy selig
Benton, AR Monday, July 17, 2023 Clark and family,I want you to know I’ve had you in my heart during this sad time. Sue was an amazing person, and I was blessed to have had the privilege of working for her. I learned so much from her and appreciate the way she guided the students and teachers to be their very best.
God bless your family,
Judy Selig
Kevin donaldson
Liberty hill, TX Sunday, July 16, 2023 My first paddle not my last. It was well deserved. She was a good woman and educator old school policy. Old school paddle. You got what we deserved. She told me slow down and you will do great things. Little did I know she was right. Rest in peacePat Matthews
Maumelle, AR Tuesday, July 11, 2023 Hickam Family, I am so sorry for your loss of Sue.Pat Matthews
Gary & Sandra Murphy
Texarkana, AR Monday, July 10, 2023 Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in your time of grief. May you cherish the memories as you await that glad reunion day.Annette Watson
Dermott, AR Monday, July 10, 2023 My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.Mike and Pam Beard
Monticello Ar, AR Monday, July 10, 2023 Sue was very special to us. Memories of camping with them where Sue put the white rug on the ground in front of the camper, to her baking cakes in that oven while camping in tents.! No one could cook deer steak or duck and dirty rice like Sue. Sue was the best principal I had ever taught under. Sue was a very strong and powerful person that has been missed for sometime. Now she is where she wants to be, with Wilard. We love you, Mike and Pam BeardBeth and Doug Langdon
Warren, AR Sunday, July 9, 2023 So sorry! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ms. Sue was such a sweet lady.Ann Tumlison
Peru, IN Sunday, July 9, 2023 I have fond memories of working with Sue for years. God bless her family.Mary Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Sunday, July 9, 2023 Family please accept my deepest sympathy.Amy Daniels
Searcy, AR Sunday, July 9, 2023 Stacy and Clark, I have so many wonderful memories at your home, on the ball courts, ball fields, and our childhood. Your mom was a strong women and leader well ahead of her time. She encompassed strength, grace, beauty, education, and kindness (even when she was tough!). May every wonderful memory you have carry you through until you meet her again. I hope she runs in to Mamaw, Papa, and Dad while she is roaming Heaven. The beautiful reunions are what we all hope for. Love, AmyGladys Youngblood
Monticello, AR Sunday, July 9, 2023 Rest In Peace my friend Sue. My sympathy to her Family and Friends. Gladys 🌹wayne graves
hamburg, AR Sunday, July 9, 2023 sorry for your loss prayersGloria Rawls Schwab
Bentonville, AR Saturday, July 8, 2023 Family , I was so sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. She was a good neighbor and friend . Prayers for you all.Kent Davis
Maumelle, AR Saturday, July 8, 2023 I’m Sorry, Prayers