Donnie Gail Hickman, 75, of Sardis, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 13, 2021, at home surrounded by her family. She was born in Waynesboro on December 14, 1945, to the late Dora and Lamar Hickman. After graduating from Sardis-Girard-Alexander High School, she took a job as a telephone operator for Bell South in Millen. She was a devoted employee for 33 years. After retirement, she enjoyed keeping her nieces and nephews, traveling with friends, working in her flower garden, and volunteering in her community and church. Donnie served on the Sardis City Council for eight years and was a member of Sardis Baptist Church.
She was an avid reader. In 1995, her lifelong love for books and a desire to instill the love of reading in others led to her employment at the Burke County Library, where she worked for over 20 years. She formed many special friendships with her co-workers and patrons of the library that she truly cherished.
She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed cooking for family and friends. Many special memories were made through the years with the ones she loved sitting around her dining room table enjoying a delicious Sunday lunch she prepared. She loved rabbits, the color pink, and sitting on her front porch visiting with friends.
She is survived by her siblings, whom she loved dearly, Bob Hickman of Hephzibah, Charlotte Elliott (Jerry) of Girard, Freida Robinson (Butch) of Sardis, Terry Hickman (Alane) of Millen, and Patricia Hickman of Boston, GA. Seven nieces and nephews, whom she adored with all her heart, Bob Hickman, Jr. (Fran) of Augusta, Jennifer Neal (Chris) of North Augusta, Jessica Webb (Clint) of Boston, GA, Wren Elliott of Girard, Robin Elliott (Denise) of Girard, Andrew Hickman (Amber) of Millen, and Ansley Thompson (Tyler) of Millen. Eleven great nieces and nephews, several cousins, and two very special friends who were like family, Cathy Wynne and Barbara Jenkins.
Graveside Services will be held 11:45am Wednesday, March 17 at Sardis Baptist Cemetery with Dr. Bill King and Rev. Jimmy Napier officiating. Pallbearers will be Wren Elliott, Robin Elliott, Bob Hickman, Jr., Chris Neal, Clint Webb, Andrew Hickman, Tyler Thompson, and Robert Jackson.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family requests that social distancing and other safety precautions be followed.
Remembrances may be made to the Sardis Baptist Church Building Fund or the Burke County Library, c/o Gwenzolyn Jackson, 130 Hwy 24 South, Waynesboro, GA 30830.
DeLoach-McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 220 East 6th Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830 (706-554-3531)
You may sign the guest book at www.deloachfuneralhomes.com.