Nell Smallwood Hickman Brookshire went to be with her Lord on August 11, 2022. Her son, Eddie, was by her side.
She was of the Baptist faith. Born and raised in Gainesville, GA to Lester and Era Smallwood, Nell was one of eleven children. Her youngest sister, Almeda Allison is the only surviving sibling.
Her brothers were T.J., John, Howell, Horace and Charles Smallwood. Her sisters were Texie Mae Clark, Jessie Smallwood and Janet Wiley. In addition to her brothers and sisters, she was preceded in death by Richard Hickman
Nell worked at New Holland Mill for a number of years. She survived World War II and the tornado of 1936.
Nell had four sons, C.H. Chapman of Tampa, FL, Louis Hickman of Lula, GA, Eddie Hickman of Lutz, FL. She is also survived by ten grandchildren, a number of great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and twenty eight nieces and nephews.
For the last six years of Nell’s life, she lived with her son Eddie of Lutz, FL. Eddie was also her caregiver. Eddie’s deceased ex-wife, Doris Hickman, and his children, Diana DeGroot and Scott Hickman and their spouses have been a tremendous asset. Her baby sister, Almeda Allison, checked on her weekly for the last six years and visited Nell on all her birthdays and several times during each year. In addition her living brother and sisters made contact at least each month until their time of death. Although Nell had dementia, it was a very bright day for her to hear from anyone from Gainesville, although it was only her brothers and sisters.
A big thank you to Jackie Jackson for always being faithful to bring her mom, Almeda and Nell’s brother Howell for visits to Nell’s.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 18, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home. The funeral will be Friday, August 19, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with interment in Memorial Park Cemetery. Food will be served at the funeral home following the interment.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA 30504 is in charge of arrangements.
Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com
