Vera Naomi Hickam Grisham

       Mrs. Vera Naomi Hickam Grisham, 88, of Anna passed away at 12:53 a.m., Sunday, July 12, 2009, at her daughter’s home, Barbara Gearhart, in Carbondale. She was born November 16, 1920, in Pomona, the daughter of Homer and Verna (Stone) Noble.  She married Bryan Hickam on September 9, 1939, in Jackson, MO.  He preceded her in death on April 26, 1981.  Vera then married Wilbur “Ubie” Grisham on February 22, 1992, in Anna and he preceded her in death on October 11, 1993.  

    Vera is survived by four children, Barbara (Ken) Gearhart of Carbondale; Clifton (Brenda) Hickam of Marion,  Brenda (Jim) Lyerla of Alto Pass, and Robin Hickam of Carbondale; a  step daughter,  Marsha (Larry) Ridenhour of Anna; a step son, Bill (Thelma) Grisham of  Chiefland, FL; 11 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren with one expected; nine great-great-grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; a brother, Willis “Bud” (Betty) Noble of Humboldt, TN; two sisters, Wilma Minton and Dottie (Gordon) Felt both of Murphysboro; a brother-in-law, Bill Thomas of Cobden. She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Bryan Hickam and Wilbur Grisham; two brothers, Leonard and Howard Nobel; sister, Vivian Thomas and an infant sister.

Vera was a member of the First Baptist Church in Anna and was active with the Sunshine Inn and served on the board of the Jackson and Union County Senior Services.

    Funeral services for Mrs. Vera Grisham will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2009, at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with the Rev. Cliff Waller officiating.  Interment will be in the Alto Pass Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna on Wednesday, July 15 from 6 until 8 p.m.  Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois.  Envelopes will be available at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna.   

Rendlman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.