lettie b. evans hickmon
1917-1987
Life Story
Early Life & Family
Lettie B. Evans Hickmon was born on June 3, 1917, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Coyt (Coit) Edward Evans (1889–1968) and Leila (Lela) Ann Beal Evans (1893–after 1976). She grew up in a rural household shaped by farming life, extended family networks, and the traditions of church-centered community life in Newton County.
Marriage & Family
Lettie married Henry James Hickmon, Sr. (1910–1986), and together they established their family primarily in Union, Mississippi. Their marriage produced a large, blended household, reflecting the extended-family structure common among Black families of the early and mid-twentieth century.
From this union, the following children are documented:
- Lela B. Hickmon (Hollingsworth)(1931–2017)
- Eddie J. Hickmon (1933–?)
- Frank D. Hickmon (1934–1989)
- Henry James Hickmon, Jr. (1934–1951)
- Beverly Hickmon
- Stephanie Hickmon
- Candy Hickmon (Bailey)
- Harry Hickmon
- Alexander Hickmon (Step-son)
- Harvey Hickmon
- Regional Hickmon
- Melissa Hickmon
Obituary records also reflect additional family connections, including step-relationships and grandchildren who expanded the Hickman family footprint across Mississippi and beyond.
Education & Work
Lettie received no formal education, a circumstance not uncommon for African American women born in rural Mississippi during the Jim Crow era. Despite this limitation, she fulfilled a central role in the household and community.
In the 1950 census, her occupation was listed as “keeping house,” underscoring the unpaid but essential domestic labor that sustained her family. Her work included child-rearing, household management, and caregiving—labor that supported multiple generations.
Faith & Community
Lettie was a member of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where her faith formed a foundation for family life and community involvement. Church membership not only reflected religious devotion but also connected her to social networks, mutual aid, and spiritual continuity across generations.
Later Years & Death
Lettie B. Evans Hickmon passed away on January 30, 1987, at Laird Hospital in Union, Mississippi, at the age of 69. Funeral services were held on February 4, 1987, at Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church, with interment following at St. John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard in Newton County, returning her to rest among family members and ancestors.
At the time of her death, she was survived by numerous children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—testament to a life rooted in family continuity and resilience.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- The Union Appeal, Lettie B. Hickmon Obituary, Wed, Feb 11, 1987 ·Page 14
- U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
- U.S., Cemetery and Funeral Home Collection, 1847-2018
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- The Union Appeal, Henry James Hickmon Obituary, Wed, Aug 13, 1986 ·Page 6
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