Josie N. Hickman | Eastern NC Now

Born: December 25, 1930, Died: May 23, 2017

    Mrs. Josie Merchant Neel Hickman, age 86, a resident of Chocowinity, NC died Tuesday May 23, 2017 at Vidant Beaufort Hospital of Washington.

    A graveside funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday May 27, 2017 at Oakdale Cemetery of Washington officiated by Pastor Claude Wilson.

    The family will receive friends at the cemetery following the service and other times at the home of Mrs. Josie's daughter, Jo Lynn Herbert, located at 201 Northwood Road, Washington.

    Mrs. Josie was born in Beaufort County on December 25, 1930 daughter of the late Eugene Neel, Sr. and the late Ethel Raefield Mixon Neel. She was a 1949 graduate of Washington High School and served her family as a homemaker. Mrs. Josie was a faithful member of Chocowinity United Methodist Church where she was a member of the choir and enjoyed singing solos at services. She was known as the great alto.

    Survivors include two sons: Charles E. Hickman, III and his wife Velma of Blounts Creek and Eugene "Neel" Hickman and his wife Jo of Chocowinity; a daughter: Jo Lynn Herbert and her husband Mike of Washington; a sister-in-law: Vicki Helms Neel of Charlotte; five grandchildren: Nichole O'Neal and her husband Chad, Kelli Campbell and her husband Josh, Seth Windley and his wife Liane, Danielle Hickman and Kinsey Hickman; a nephew Ray Neel, Jr. and his wife Lora; a niece Casey Neel and five great grandchildren. Mrs. Josie was predeceased along with her parents by two brothers: Eugene Neel, Jr. and Ray M. Neel.

    Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve Mrs. Josie's family.