Hyacinth Rickman

Hyacinth Rickman was born on December 22, 1934 in the District of Beechertown, St. Ann, Jamaica. She was one of twelve children born to her mother Florence and the first child in Florence’s marital union with Herbert Davis. When Hyacinth was growing up, she was regarded as the “jewel” of the Davis family. She enjoyed learning, did well in school and aspired to be a teacher. Although this dream was not realized, she shared her love of learning throughout her lifetime by contributing significantly to the education of her children, teaching them diligently during their childhood and encouraging them to focus on their education as a vehicle to achieving success.

Hyacinth as a young woman was creative and innovative and was sent to what would be equivalent to School of Domestic Arts. At this fine institution, Hyacinth learned how to sew, crotchet and do other forms of needle work. It was also while she was at this fine institution that she met the love of her life, Mr. Eric George Rickman. Hyacinth captured Eric’s heart and they were married in 1960 and she moved to the village of Epworth. She had been affectionately called “Punce” in her native village, but after her marriage she was referred to as Ms. Cynthia or Mrs. Rickman, but to her children and many others who knew her she was “Mama.” Hyacinth made her mark in the village as a Seamstress making beautiful dresses for her children and others who needed these services. She used her craft to bring in some additional family income which was much needed at the time.

In Epworth Hyacinth had a powerful salvation experience at the Epworth Baptist church, and this shaped her life moving forward. In the Epworth Baptist church Hyacinth served faithfully for many years. She would sometimes be the Secretary for the church, she sang on the choir, and she was even called upon to give a few sermons when no one else was available to play this role. Hyacinth, as a “born again believer” always sought to see how she could serve others. She often helped the old and indigent and children who were less fortunate. She would make food for them and in some cases would even help them with bathing and other daily living skills. Her salvation experience influenced the lives of her children and the many people she has interacted with over the years.

Hyacinth was a remarkable woman. She would walk many miles to work at a Garment Factory in a neighboring town, Golden Grove St. Ann. Despite this long and arduous walk she would come home and cheerfully cook and take care of her family. Even when there was no money, Hyacinth still made wonderful meals and her family was always fed. She had her faithful husband at her side at all times. He adored his beautiful bride and would do anything for her. Hyacinth took excellent care of “dada” as he was affectionately called. They were married for forty-eight wonderful years.

Hyacinth migrated to the United States in 1984 through the instrumentality of her uncle who was a citizen. Because of her extremely hard work and diligence, she was able through the immigration process to get her family to join her in New York in 1987. It was a wonderful reunion and one that is recalled with fond memories. During this period Hyacinth was working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Brandy Wine Nursing Home, in Briarcliff New York and she continued to work at this fine facility for many years. She also worked additional jobs as she had boundless energy at that time. She served her patients with love and deep compassion because that is what she felt she was called to do.

In the years after her retirement, she supported her daughters with child rearing and so her grandchildren developed a wonderful bond with her. She would spend a half of the year with her younger daughter who was raising her daughter Jodi, in Florida and the other half with her older daughter who was raising her son Daniel in Atlanta. Her other two grandchildren Micayla and Meleah were also here in Atlanta so she could get to interact with them as well. Her grandchildren loved her dearly and we trust that they will emulate her work ethic, love for family and unwavering commitment to Christ.

In the years that Hyacinth was visiting Atlanta and during the five years that she lived with her older daughter prior to becoming more advanced in her illness, she attended the Tabernacle Church faithfully each Sunday and was able to participant in all the different activities of the church. Many people just saw her at the Tabernacle and fell in love with her warm personality. One sister who used to sit with the family in the Balcony gave Hyacinth and her grandson a huge gift one Christmas without even knowing them very well-that was amazing! Hyacinth loved the Tabernacle church because it reminded her so much of the wonderful old days when she served back in the Epworth Baptist Church.

In her later years Hyacinth’s medical condition worsened and she needed twenty-four-hour care. Hyacinth wanted to be taken care of in her home, so the family was faithful to ensure that her wish was fulfilled. She was given in home care for the past ten years. Hyacinth has had many Care Givers over this period and the family wants to say thank you to all who loved and served her during her illness. Her last Caregiver took care of her faithfully for over seven years and for that the family is truly grateful and wants to say a big ‘thank you to her.’ All who took care of Hyacinth loved her and became aware of that special quality that she had. She had the sweet spirit that exudes from a life totally consecrated to Christ.

In the final analysis, the hallmarks of Hyacinth’s life were hard work, perseverance, courage, and most of all, kindness and compassion as she was totally committed to living out her faith in a practical way. Hyacinth gave of herself selflessly until she had nothing left to give. She emptied herself of all, but love, and she poured that love into all those whom she loved and served. The family is eternally grateful for the love she gave them. They have no doubt that she has heard those wonderful Words recorded in Matthew 25:21 .……. “Well Done Thou Good and Faithful Servant… Enter Thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

She leaves to mourn her loss:

Children: Dorrett Bartley, Denise Cunningham-Elious, Sharon Rickman, Marcello Rickman (Blue) and Michael Rickman

Grandchildren: Kervin Jr. Rose, Jodi Ann Lewis, Daniel Elious, Micayla Rickman, Meleah Rickman

Great granddaughter: Lexie Rose.

Siblings: Dotty Hall, Francella James, Louis Davis, Idel Davis, Daphne Davis, Gladstone Davis and Victor Davis

Daughters-in-law and Sons-in-law: Mildred Rickman, Julie Dunn, Bobby Elious and Al Bartley

Additional Mourners: A host of relatives and friends.

Predeceased Siblings are: William Johnson, Muriel Sterling, Ivan Johnson, Gwendolyn Beech, Percival Davis as well as her late husband Eric George Rickman.

May her soul Rest in perfect peace!!!