Isobel ‘Joni’ Hickory
Isobel “Joni” Hickory and God’s timing finally aligned when she peacefully went home Saturday, June 8, after 99 years of love and service to others. She was born Isobel Johnson on May 3, 1920, to Louis and Ellie Johnson, of Chestnut, Louisiana. Joni attended nursing school and received her RN license in 1940.
She went on to join the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. and served as a front-line combat nurse throughout WWII in North Africa and the European continent. Joni met her husband, Frank Hickory, while in Europe and they were married in Belgium following the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, she separated from the Army as a 1st Lieutenant, and she and Frank made their home in Minneapolis, where they raised four children. Upon “retirement” she moved to Heber Springs and continued nursing well into her 70s until the hospital moved to computer records. Never one to sit idle, she began her second career of volunteering five days a week with four different organizations. Joni continued this until at 92 she officially retired to Foxridge in Bryant, where she lived out her days eating ice cream and always keeping those around her on their toes. She was an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing her and will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank; five sisters, Julia, Mozel, Nettie, Louisa and Willie May; and a brother, Jerry.
She is survived by four children, Pam Schmuki (Claude), Patty Hendrix (Tim), Shari Arundel (David) and Steve Hickory (Jan); two brothers, Richard and Leslie; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a number of wonderful people who cared for her and loved her over the years. She will be laid to rest in the Strange Family Cemetery in Louisiana with her husband and extended family members.
Memorials may be sent to the Strange Cemetery Memorial, Cleburne County Humane Society, Caroline Dorman Nature Preserve or Young Life.
Online guest book: www.ashbyfunerfalhome.com.
Family Comments: The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff of Foxridge for taking care of and loving ‘Gram’ like she was their own.