Joyce A. Hickman, 82, of Walton passed away on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023 at Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown.
Joyce was born Dec. 7, 1940, the daughter of Frank Todd Hickman and Wilhelmina “Billie” Frisbie-Hickman-Parsons.
Joyce came to live in Walton in 1966 when she and her husband Chuck purchased the farm, where, after crossing the bridge, she declared “What a beautiful place to raise children.” They initially concentrated on hog production, raising up to 200 hogs as well as beef, chickens and milk for the family then later operating as C and J Ranch, eventually establishing a herd of 100 registered Angus beef cattle.
Joyce was known by all as a hard worker. In the early days she stayed on the farm raising her four children, a barn full of animals, a big vegetable garden and lots of hard work - haying, fence building, woodcutting and food preservation. She also cared and provided a home for four developmentally disabled men. Later, when her children were older she worked at Eureka Tent factory and then various construction jobs as a laborer. She worked on bridge construction near Syracuse and Wells Bridge, and she was part of the crew that completed renovations at Hartwick College. She also worked several seasons at Frazier’s greenhouses in Oneonta.
She was a member of the local laborers’ union.
When asked what she would like to do after retirement she replied, “I would rather work the rest of my life.” In 1996, she began Stony Mountain Farms, a family greenhouse business operating at the farm, and marketed plants and produce for many years at the farmstand in Walton. Many people made their way to the farm to buy her plants and marvel at all the beautiful flowers. After 5 p.m., an old friend or two might show up for “teatime,” and sitting on a bucket or fruit crate, they enjoyed good conversation, a cold “tea,” and the simple pleasure of relaxing together after a long day’s work.
Joyce will be remembered for her kindness, her love of family, her sense of humor, her homemade wine, her practicality and a unique ability to say it like it is when necessary. She will be missed and remembered fondly by family, friends and the many people whose lives she touched.
Joyce is survived by her loving family, children David Lambert, Dawn Thomson (Mark Wood), Steven Hoffman and Cathy Hoffman all of Walton; grandchildren Richard (Rebecca), Jesse (Jamie), Shane (Kayla), Tara (Kenny Morse) Thomson, Jodi, Jaime, Kyle Hoffman, Sophia Piro, and great-grandchildren, one special
great-great-granddaughter Aleesia Wren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Joyce is predeceased by her beloved son-in-law Randy Thomson, grandson Cole Wood, sisters Imogene Thibodeau and Lois Ives.
Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
The family is being cared for by Courtney Funeral Home, Walton.
Memorial contributions in Joyce’s memory may be made to the Walton Fire Department and EMS, 61 West Street, Walton, NY 13856.
Condolences to the family may be made online at www.courtneyfh.com
