Velma L. Hickok

Velma L. Hickok, a long-time resident of Akron, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2024 at the young age of 97.
Born on Christmas Eve in Diamondville, PA, she was the youngest child of Donald and Effie Gibson. Her parents and 4 siblings preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her husband of 59 years (Arthur), a son (Edward) and a grandson (John).

Together, Velma and Arthur raised 8 children. Seven of those lovingly survive her - sons Roger (Debbie), Bob, and Jim (Kathy) Hickok and daughters Pat (Danny) Groves, Linda (Bruce) Harold, Sandy (Herb) McGovern, and Karen (Jim) Hammer. Dear daughter-in-law Karen Hickok also survives her. Velma also leaves behind to cherish her memory 12 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and many loving relatives and friends.

Being a homemaker and the mother of 8 kept her and Dad very busy in their younger years. Vacations of camping and fishing were a family favorite. In recent years, if she wasn't passing the time doing a word search or coloring, Velma would sit at the kitchen table and look out the window at her colorful flower garden and the whirling pinwheels and pop-can airplanes that were also in that garden. She loved sunny days and almost daily said she wished we could have sunny days year round, except for maybe a little snow at Christmas!

She was a long-time fan of Wheel of Fortune and would oftentimes solve a puzzle before family members who'd be watching the show with her did! She ate blueberries daily because she liked them and because "they're brain food". She also really enjoyed her sweets and butter pecan was her favorite ice cream!

We will miss her dearly but are confident we will be with her again someday. Rest in peace, Mom. We love you bunches!


A Graveside Service will be held at 2 pm, Friday, June 21st, at Hillside Memorial Park (1025 Canton Rd, Akron) with Pastor Kelly Anderson officiating.

To share a memory of Velma or to leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.