Nancy Hickman

Nancy Hickman, 71, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on October 23, 2018, of a pulmonary embolism. At Nancy’s request she was cremated and there will not be a formal service. There will be a memorial party Sunday, November 11, 2018 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Café Lily, 308 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030. Nancy was born and raised in Atlanta and graduated from Sylvan Hills high school. In high school she excelled at sports and won All City/All State Guard in girls’ basketball. She also played tennis competitively in high school. In her 50’s she returned to the tennis court playing in a seniors doubles team where she and her partner won a league tournament. With the encouragement and support of her beloved Mamoo (maternal grandmother, Flora Curtin) she earned a BA in Psychology from Georgia State University and an MSW from Atlanta University. With the goal of opening a psychotherapy practice, she worked at several psychiatric facilities in the Atlanta area. She earned her Licensed Clinical Social Worker license and opened her own private practice office in 1988. Since then, Nancy worked with a variety of clients including families, couples, and individuals. She also worked with adult sex offenders and the Huntington Disease Society. Her greatest passion was working with children both in the office and in residential settings. In 1977, while working on the psychiatric inpatient unit at Grady Memorial Hospital, Nancy met Jan Luke, a nursing student. They fell in love and began a journey together that has continued for over 41 years. In 2013 they joyfully made the relationship legal by marrying in Connecticut. In the early 90’s Nancy and Jan (now a nurse and a corporate trainer) cofounded Counseling and Training Services, Inc. Nancy, of course, provided the counseling and they both provided workshop training for social workers and other human services professionals. Nancy discovered a passion and knack for presenting ethical issues in enlightening and provocative ways that frequently led to very lively training sessions. She presented these workshops for over 20 years until health issues limited her stamina. These health issues led to her reluctantly closing her private practice office in July 2018. Nancy’s other interests included Atlanta Falcons and UGA football (especially when they are winning!), professional tennis, snorkeling and just being at any beach. This past July Nancy and Jan completed a bucket list item with a cruise to Alaska. In her words, “You have to go to Alaska – it is gorgeous! Go!” Nancy was preceded in death by Mamoo and several pets (cats Pooh Bear, Tuff Man & Butch and dogs Mandy, Lyndy and Ginger). She is survived by her wife Jan Luke; brothers Bart Hickman, Bill Fallin (Robyn) and Michael Fallin; sister Carrie Davis (Bruce), and brother-in-law Jim Luke (Sue Sweeney). Also by many cousins, nieces and nephews as well as many professional colleagues and friends. Again, at Nancy’s request, donations may be made to her favorite charity, PAWS Atlanta.