Nina Jean Bickers 83, of Bushnell, Florida died Tuesday, February 21, 2017 in Osprey Nursing Home in Bushnell, Florida. She was born February 26, 1933 in Ravenden Springs, Arkansas a daughter of the late Virgil and late Zula (Cooper) Miller. She graduated from Pocahontas High School in 1951 and lived in Arkansas until 1998 when she moved to Florida.
She was a homemaker, 4-H leader, loving wife, mother and grandma. She helped her parents in the family grocery store, Millers Grocery on Park Street. Family was Very Important to her and she loved all her family and friends dearly. She was known for sending cards \u0026 letters for birthdays, all special occasions, and in times of need for support, comfort and encouragement. When she could no longer send cards she called everyone. This tradition was very important to her in staying in touch and sharing her love. She loved the lord and her faith was strong as she witnessed for him to the end. She had a passion for playing bingo, sewing, eating chocolate and looked forward to going out for catfish or BBQ.
She was happily married to her best friend and soul mate the late J.R. Bickers for 41 years and 4 months.
She was preceded in death by: her husband J.R. Bickers, her sister Berniece McMurty, her parents Virgil and Zula Miller, two brother in laws Harvey Hite Bickers and Gus Lambert, a nephew Stevie Pepper and two nieces Phyllis McMurty Bisbis and Tina Bickers Milutin.
She is survived by her only daughter Martha Ann (Danny) Maddox of Center Hill, Florida; one granddaughter, who was her everything, Tiffany Ann Maddox of Gainesville; a sister Kay (Jack) Pepper of Cotter, Arkansas, two sister in law Lessie Mae (Robert) McDaniel of Tennessee and Mary Lambert of Ohio; two step grandsons Jason (Katy) Maddox of Bushnell, Florida and B.J. (Julie) Maddox of Dothan, Alabama. Three step great grandchildren: Ally and Morgan Maddox and Austin Harness. Along with several nieces and nephews.
The family will hold a celebration of her life in both Florida and Arkansas. The Arkansas Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at McNabb Funeral Home Chapel with Jackie Pepper, nephew leading the celebration. Visitation will be from 1:00PM to 4:00PM with the Service at 4:00PM. Burial will follow in the Masonic Cemetery with Bill Miller, cousin officiating. Pallbearers will be: Martha \u0026 Tiffany Maddox and all of Nina's Nieces and Nephews. Honorary Pallbearers will be: W.T. Hawkins, Bill Miller, Joe Ray Cooper and Dennis Hawkins.
The Florida Celebration of Her Life was held on February 26, 2017, (her 84 Birthday) at Purcell Funeral Home Chapel with Sheriff Bill Farmer and Nephew Jimmy McDaniel leading the celebration.
Family is requesting in lieu of flowers donations to: Sumter County Scholarship, (Sumter County Extension Office, 7620 SR 471, Ste. 2, Bushnell, FL 33513. Check written out to: Sumter County 4-H. Memo: Nina Bickers 4-H Scholarship), in her name to be used for the following 4-H Activities: 4-H Legislature, 4-H Day at the Capitol and 4-H Camp, American Cancer Society or Arkansas 4-H Center (Arkansas 4-H Foundation, c/o Ewell Welch, 1 Four-H Way, Little Rock, AR 72223).