Morris Riley Hickman

Born July 22, 1942 Morris was the fifth child of Willie Lee and Cecelia Crow-Hickman. His mother passed away following an illness when Morris was just three years old. He was raised by his father and grandmother alongside his siblings, Billy, Barbara Allen, Marion Lee and Mary C. Jackson.

Morris attended St. Monica Catholic School and St. Joseph Preparatory High School, where he was the first African American student to graduate. As a young man, he proudly answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he returned home and began building the life that would ultimately become his greatest achievement.

Morris married the love of his life, Mary Catherine Churchill and together they shared 59 years of marriage. During the first years of marriage Morris also attended Indiana University where he obtained his Bachelors Degree for Business Administration. Morris and Mary’s life together was built upon love, faith, commitment, and an unwavering devotion to family.

Together, Morris and Mary raised four children, Tracy Hickman-Wright, Robin Zachery, Jeanice Hendricks-Hickman and Anthony Hickman. Their family continued to grow, blessing Morris with 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren. Morris and Mary also opened their hearts and their home to numerous foster children over the years, providing care, stability, and love to children who needed it.

Family was at the center of Morris’s life, and nothing made him prouder than the generations that followed him. He especially loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports and could often be found cheering them on. When he wasn’t supporting his grandchildren, Morris was an avid sports fan and a devoted Louisville Cardinal and Indiana University supporter.

Morris was also a man of deep and enduring faith. A devoted Catholic, he attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Bloomington, Indiana. His faith was reflected not only in his devotion to the Church, but also in the gentle, patient, compassionate way he treated those around him.

Professionally, Morris dedicated more than 30 years of service to the Social Security Administration, where he worked until his retirement. His career reflected many of the qualities that defined him throughout his life: dependability, dedication, patience, and a commitment to serving others.

Those fortunate enough to know Morris will remember him as an exceptionally gentle, easygoing, kind, and loving man. He had a quiet and steady presence and a way of making those around him feel cared for. He didn’t need grand gestures to demonstrate his love. It was evident in the way he lived, the family he cherished, the children he welcomed into his home, and the countless ordinary moments in which he was simply there for the people he loved.

Morris was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Billy, Barbara Ann, and Marion Lee, grandson Marque Anthony Wright. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Catherine Churchill-Hickman; his four children, Tracy Wright, Robin Zachery, Jeanice Hendricks, and Anthony Hickman wife (Deanna) his sister, Mary C. Jackson; his grandchildren, great-grandchildren; as well as the many foster children; including Marcus Odom and Michael Starks and Terri Fritchley, extended family members, and friends whose lives he touched.

Of all Morris accomplished during his lifetime—as a United States Air Force veteran, a dedicated employee, a faithful Catholic, and a hardworking provider—his greatest achievement was his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father and foster father, proud grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather, and a treasured brother and friend.

While his family grieves the loss of a truly remarkable man, they find comfort in the extraordinary life he lived and the tremendous amount of love he leaves behind. His gentle spirit, quiet strength, faith, and devotion to family will live on through the generations that follow him.

A life well lived. A family deeply loved. A legacy that will continue for generations.