Obituary

Ora Lee Sartin Bickham

November 25, 1936 - December 15, 2021

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, Which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day.” II Timothy 4:7-8

On Wednesday, December 15, 2021, God sent his angel to receive the soul of his dear daughter, Ora Lee Sartin Bickham.

Ora Lee Sartin Bickham began her earthly journey on November 25, 1936. She was born to the late Jacob Sartin, Sr., and Ordean Sibley Sartin in Tylertown, MS. As a young girl the family transitioned to Bogalusa. Her steadfast faith and Christian journey in the Lord began at an early age where she was a member of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Her service in the Church was not limited, but she served many years as the church recording secretary until her health declined. She graduated from Central High, Class of 1957.

She met and married Willie J. Bickham and to that union three children were added, Anthony, Beverly, and Willie.

She later returned to school becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant.  She worked at Forest Manor Nursing Home in Covington, LA, St. Tammany Hospital in Covington, LA, and Family Home Health in Bogalusa, LA where she retired. She had a passion for sewing. Her family was her joy. She had a big heart, full of love, caring and compassionate. She would go the extra mile, not just for family, but anyone who was in need. She was the perfect example of Christian Love.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories her loving and devoted children, Beverly Cotton, and Willie Bickham; three grandchildren whom she reared  Derolodi  (Chynell) Bickham, Dewon Berry, and Raye Diamond Hudson,; six grandchildren, Darren (Crystal) Bickham, Donell (Shanna) Bickham, Kosha Cotton, Keyon Cotton, Keyondra Bickham, Travis Ladner II, and Kevin Reed all of Bogalusa, LA; nineteen great grandchildren, Ja’Miyah Craft, Lei’Asia Brown, Ma’Kayla Bickham, Walter Donnell Bickham, Jr., K’Brone Cotton, Kelsie Cotton, Kaigen Cotton, Erria Brown, Darren Bickham, Jr., De’Shunti Robinson, Diamond Simmons, Carleigh Berry, Nia Berry, A’Nyla Reese, Javion Reed, Kevonte Reed, Kevonna Reed, and Kemari Reed; one great grandchild, Ja’Mere Craft; three brothers, Lynell  (Tonya) Sartin of Gary, IN, Jerry (Brelane) Wells of Boglausa, LA,  and Roger Wells of Chicago, IL; three sisters-in-law, Margaret Sartin, Emma Sibley both of Bogalusa, LA, and JoAnn Wells of North Carolina.

Ora is preceded in death by her parents, Jacob Sartin, Sr., and Ordean Sibley Sartin (Hoze) Wells; her husband, Willie J. Bickham; son, Anthony Ray Sartin; son-in-law, Walter Cotton; six brothers, Rev. Jacob Sartin, Jr., Joseph Sartin, Charles Sartin, Attie Sartin, James Sibley, and Richard Wells.

A Drive Through Viewing will be from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on December 20, 2021 at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa, Louisiana. The Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM on December 21, 2021 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.