Juanita Hickmon

Juanita Seales Hickmon , 93, of Philadelphia, Mississippi passed on Sunday, October 15, 2023, from Chadwick Nursing & Rehab Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Funeral Services will be held 1:30 P.M. Sunday, October 22, 2023, from Hopewell U.M. Church in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Burial will follow in Hopewell U.M. Church Cemetery in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Visitation will be held 12:30 P.M. - 1:30 P.M. Sunday, October 22, 2023, from Hopewell U.M. Church. Beck Funeral Home Philadelphia is in charge of all arrangements.

Ms. Juanita (Seales) Hickmon, daughter of the late Jessie J. Seales and Nancy B. Seales was born in Neshoba County on September 28, 1930.

She went to school at Hopewell and attended Rust College in Holly Springs, MS. She was a lifetime member of Hopewell Methodist Church where she served her time there as the church's musician for over 60 years, and spent many years teaching adult and children Sunday School when needed.

Her musical journey playing the piano for the church choir was the highlight of her life and oh no, she didnt just play for one church, she also played for Stevens chapel when no other pianist could be found. She wasn't always happy to get that phone call asking to play at another church, but once she got there, people greeted her and praised her musical talents because she played so well and she had a beautiful voice to go with a beautful heart. The congregation was so happy about her ability to pick out any tune in any key if someone starts singing a song no matter what that song was.

Ms. Hickmon had another hidden talent. She made her own clothing, She would go to a store, and see something that she liked but they didnt have it in her size. Being a tall thin woman, it was difficult to find clothes and shoes to fit. So she thought since she had her own sewing machine, she would try to sew a top for herself. As she got better and better at it she started sewing pants, dresses, two piece suits. If you didn't know any better, you would think she bought her clothes in a store. It just goes to show you, what a kind of woman she was: kind, generous, thoughtful, loving, friendly, giving, and talented.

So whenever we hear a piano playing somewhere, no matter where you are, think of Ms. Hickmon as her long fingers tickle the keys in heaven, playing for the Lord as she always did.

Mrs. Hickmon is survived by; (1) Daughter, Deborah Rawls (Anthony)of Jackson, MS, (1) Son, Kevin Seales (Rose) of Winona, MN; (7) grandchildren, (8) great grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

Juanita was the last of her siblings. Three brothers: Jessie Seales, Jr., Birdell Seales, Leroy Seales,;Two Sisters: Dessaree ( Seales) Jones, and Sylvia ( Seales) Campbell