It is with sadness in our hearts that the family announces the passing of beloved wife and mother, Joan D. Hickman of Centerville borough who lost her battle with cancer on January 11, 2025.

Joan was the daughter of the late Harold A. and Margaret Louise Collins Pettit Sr. of Lone Pine, PA.

Joan grew up on a farm in Lone Pine and was a 1967 graduate of Beth Center High School where she met and married the late Robert V. Hickman. Together they had three children.

Mrs. Hickman was a homemaker for many years until she found her calling for her love of children and began her journey at Beth Center School District where she held many positions. This amazing love she had for children still to this day has been recognized by passersby who recognized Joan's family and they expressed her kind heart and warm smile.    After the tragic death of her husband Joan was a stoic inspiration to her children and grandchildren. Her strength and unwavering love and guidance was able to get those she loved through that most difficult time.

Joan then continued to follow her path and began working at Impiccini Bus Garage as a bus driver for many years. Here is where Joan met Robert C. Holman, the man that would bring the light back into Joan's spirit. Those two brought so much love and happiness to each other. They were always seen smiling and goofing around. They traveled together and sat on the back porch watching the birds and deer go by. They completed each other's souls.

She is survived by her husband Robert C. Holman; three children, Chad R. Hickman (Jennifer), Dawn L. Hickman and Stephanie A. Bane and extended children Robert L. Holman (Carrie) and Kerri S. Laughery (Frank); grandchildren, Haley Smalley, Camari Maling ( Scott), Colton Bane, Heidi Holman, Hunter Holman, Madison Laughery, Kenzie Pyle and seven great grandchildren; siblings Gloria Powell (George), Alice Pettit (Mark), Janet Bockstoce (Frank), Ellen Morris (Ken), Herold "Hap" Pettit (Janice); mother in law Emma J. Colborn and sister in laws Norma Hickman and Kimberly Ford. She also has many nieces  and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be announced later for family and friends to gather and share the love they had for Joan. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made at   cancer research.org. The family would also like to thank McMurray Hills Manor staff and administration as well as Gateway Hospice for their genuinely kind hearts and gentle touch during Joan's final days. Arrangements have been entrusted to the John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, Ltd. 2830 Main St. Beallsville, PA. An online guestbook is available at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.