Murphy Jane Hickerson, age 43 of Canonsburg went to be with the Lord, unexpectedly Wednesday May 9, 2012 in Rostraver Twp., Westmoreland County. She was born April 26, 1969 in Rochester, Pa, Beaver County, a daughter of the late Reverend Charles M. Hickerson who passed on July 15, 1991 and Dolores Adams Hickerson with whom she made her home.
Murphy matriculated through the Rochester Area School District and graduated with honors in 1987. She furthered her studies at the University of Pittsburgh, Main Campus and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Religious Studies, with a minor in Black Studies and received a certificate in East Asian Studies concentrating in Japanese language and East Asian religion. She went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1998. At the time of her passing, Murphy was in pursuit of a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from West Virginia University, where she was awarded membership in Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling Honor Society.
Murphy had many diverse professional experiences having been employed as a human resources professional and benefits specialist for McDonald's Corporation. She served as adjunct faculty for Geneva College and Allegheny County Community College. She was a project manager for the Southwestern Pennsylvania AIDS Planning Coalition. Murphy lived a full life in a relatively short time while holding her family and friends dear.
Surviving in addition to her devoted mother are her faithful sister and closest friend Tanya Dee Sexton, four brothers; Charles M. Hickerson Jr., Douglas B. Walker, Adam J. and Jared C. Sexton, three cousins; Pearl L., Sarah D. and Arminta M. McGee, three uncles; Reverend Willis M. Hickerson Sr., Reverend Ernest A. Hickerson Sr. and Dr. Robert Smith, three aunts; Dr. Otrie B. Hickerson-Smith, Margaret J. Hickerson and Connie Hickerson, two nieces; Storm and Chloe Hickerson, three nephews; Brandon K. Walker, Charles M. Hickerson III and Caleb Hickerson, a host of cousins whom she loved deeply; five goddaughters Jada Akilah and Imani Akee Anderson and Alicia, Aleah and Alexis Thornton, two ex husbands; Robert L. Pruitt and Stacy D. Nesbitt and her very precious pets, Dolly, her parrot and two cats, Chaka and Maxwell.
Deceased in addition to her father are her grandparents Reverend Carl Que and Murphy McAlister Hickerson and Frank and Sara Jane Lysinger, her uncle Reverend Carl Que Hickerson Jr. and cousins Betty O. McGee and Robert Smith Jr.
Murphy was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes at age four and lived with it and its complications for the majority of her life, giving her a unique perspective on her own life and eventual passing. Given this, she had stated her final wishes over the years. Friends will be welcome for visitation from 11am to 1pm, with the service to commence at 1pm on Friday May 18, 2012 in the Second Baptist Church Clay Street and Irvin Avenue, Rochester, PA (724)709-7850 where Murphy's beloved father had been pastor for 23 years. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donation be made to Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center, c/o Meadow Fallon, 6620 Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Salandra Funeral Service, Inc. Joseph P. Salandra owner/supervisor 304 West Pike Street Canonsburg. (724) 745-8120.
Murphy matriculated through the Rochester Area School District and graduated with honors in 1987. She furthered her studies at the University of Pittsburgh, Main Campus and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Religious Studies, with a minor in Black Studies and received a certificate in East Asian Studies concentrating in Japanese language and East Asian religion. She went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1998. At the time of her passing, Murphy was in pursuit of a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from West Virginia University, where she was awarded membership in Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling Honor Society.
Murphy had many diverse professional experiences having been employed as a human resources professional and benefits specialist for McDonald's Corporation. She served as adjunct faculty for Geneva College and Allegheny County Community College. She was a project manager for the Southwestern Pennsylvania AIDS Planning Coalition. Murphy lived a full life in a relatively short time while holding her family and friends dear.
Surviving in addition to her devoted mother are her faithful sister and closest friend Tanya Dee Sexton, four brothers; Charles M. Hickerson Jr., Douglas B. Walker, Adam J. and Jared C. Sexton, three cousins; Pearl L., Sarah D. and Arminta M. McGee, three uncles; Reverend Willis M. Hickerson Sr., Reverend Ernest A. Hickerson Sr. and Dr. Robert Smith, three aunts; Dr. Otrie B. Hickerson-Smith, Margaret J. Hickerson and Connie Hickerson, two nieces; Storm and Chloe Hickerson, three nephews; Brandon K. Walker, Charles M. Hickerson III and Caleb Hickerson, a host of cousins whom she loved deeply; five goddaughters Jada Akilah and Imani Akee Anderson and Alicia, Aleah and Alexis Thornton, two ex husbands; Robert L. Pruitt and Stacy D. Nesbitt and her very precious pets, Dolly, her parrot and two cats, Chaka and Maxwell.
Deceased in addition to her father are her grandparents Reverend Carl Que and Murphy McAlister Hickerson and Frank and Sara Jane Lysinger, her uncle Reverend Carl Que Hickerson Jr. and cousins Betty O. McGee and Robert Smith Jr.
Murphy was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes at age four and lived with it and its complications for the majority of her life, giving her a unique perspective on her own life and eventual passing. Given this, she had stated her final wishes over the years. Friends will be welcome for visitation from 11am to 1pm, with the service to commence at 1pm on Friday May 18, 2012 in the Second Baptist Church Clay Street and Irvin Avenue, Rochester, PA (724)709-7850 where Murphy's beloved father had been pastor for 23 years. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donation be made to Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center, c/o Meadow Fallon, 6620 Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Salandra Funeral Service, Inc. Joseph P. Salandra owner/supervisor 304 West Pike Street Canonsburg. (724) 745-8120.
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