Funeral Information
Location:
Union Baptist Church
Date: 05-13-2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Time: 10:00 AM
Visitation Information
Location:
Union Baptist Church 1405 East Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62703
Date: 05-13-2024
Time: 9:00 AM
Time: 9:00 AM
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Obituary
Rosetta (Thomas) Bickham, 99, affectionately known as “Big Mama” was born April 1, 1925, in Flora, Mississippi to Daisy Thomas and Freddie Bickham. She departed this life on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at her home in Springfield, IL.
Rosetta (Big Mama) upon moving to Springfield, Illinois moved to the John Hay Housing Complex.
There she was known as the “Icee Cup Lady”, where all could stop at her door for a cool refreshing Icee Cup treat.
“Big Mama” was a faithful member of Union Baptist Church for 50 years. She was the oldest surviving member of the Church. She attended faithfully until her health began to fail. She loved the Lord and would let people know that He had been “good” to her and had blessed her with the years she had spent walking with Him. Anyone who knew “Big Mama” was blessed by her wisdom, her love, and the beauty of her presence and Spirit. She was so loved by so many.
She worked for F. W. Means & Company (Linen, Towel and Uniform rental and cleaning company) Springfield, IL, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur, IL. Big Mama ran a successful in-home day care for over 30 years.
Rosetta was also a dedicated community worker for United States Senator Dick Durbin and the State of Illinois Foster Care Program.
She was preceded in death by: Daisy Spann (Mother) Freddie Bickham (Father), Sons: Charles Bigham, Robert Earl Webb Sr, Willie Brooks, and Herbert Brooks. Sisters: Josephine Bickham, Henrietta Little, Alice Bickham, Mattie Brown, Katherine Banks, Selma Jurinick, Mary Spann and Leonia Spann. Brother: Jimmie D. Wade. Rosetta was the last of her siblings.
She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters: Emma J. Craig, of Springfield, IL, Earnestine Gardner Banks (Lloyd), Lee’s Summit, MO, Dwanda Jones, Springfield, IL, Sons: John L. Webb (Marion) Beachwood, OH, Donald Bickham, Blue Springs, MO, Daughter-in-law Dorothy Webb Springfield, IL, Goddaughter: Brenda Lee, Springfield, IL, Stepson: John “Wesley” (Cynthia) Webb, Springfield, IL, and a host of grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, many that she baby sat over the years (big mama’s other kids).