Martha Jackson Johnson Bickley (“Jackie”), 83, of Athens passed away Friday, December 19th, 2014. Jackie was born September 17, 1931 in Limestone County to Roy Malone Johnson and Idell Barksdale Johnson. A Memorial service will be held Monday, December 22, 2014 at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church in Athens AL, with a visitation to follow at the Beasley Center. Limestone Chapel Funeral Home is assisting the family. She graduated from Athens High School and Athens College with a B.S. degree. She worked at Redstone Arsenal and was employed by Limestone County Schools as a teacher at Clements High School. She was very active in the First United Methodist Church, served on the Altar Commitee and the Kitchen Commitee for over 20 years. She was also a member of the Douglas Logan Bible Class, the Golden Grands Group and the Tuesday Morning Ladies Group. In addition, she frequently cooked for the Bereavement Lunches at the Church. She was also a member of the Three Arts Club and Athena League and other community organizations. She enjoyed playing bridge with the Bridge Club for over 50 years and participated in the Dental Supper Club for over 45 years. She loved attending Alabama football games with close family friends for over 40 years. Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of over 50 years, Dr. Fred Peeples Bickley, Jr. and brothers, Roy Malone Johnson, Jr. and James Ned Johnson. Survivors include her brother, John William Johnson; her son Fred Peeples Bickley III and wife Dr. Martina Bebin Bickley(Athens); two daughters Anna Bickley Cooper and husband James Lawrence Cooper Jr. (Birmingham) and Molly Bickley Bowron and husband Lee Matthews Bowron (Birmingham). She had seven grandchildren – James Lawrence Cooper III, Lamar Bickley Cooper, Anna Jackson Cooper, Sarah Brasfield Cooper, Fred Wheeler Bowron, Martha Bickley Bowron, Richard Rhoads Bowron,(all of Birmingham) along with numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the First United Methodist Church, Athens, Alabama or to your favorite charity.
