Obituary

Sophia Leona Dillon-Bickham

September 25, 1948 - December 14, 2021

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my 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; and not to me only, but unto all them that love his appearing. (II Timothy 4:7-8)  

Sis. Sophia Leona Dillon-Bickham was born in New Orleans, LA, on September 25, 1948, to the late Leonard Sr. and Sophia Corine Dillon. She was a member of Center Baptist Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Lynwood Bolton, Sr., for many years. She later joined Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Sidney Burns, Jr., where she remained a faithful member until she departed this earth on December 14, 2021, at 73 years of age.

Leona graduated from Wesley Ray High School in 1969, attended Southern University and A&M College, and worked as a paraprofessional for the Washington Parish School Board for 36 years beginning in 1975. During her time employed with the WPSB, she found her passion in technology and worked in the computer lab until her retirement in August 2011.

Leona was formerly married to the late Rayford U. Bickham, Sr., beginning in 1971, and to this union two children were born, Rayford U. Bickham, Jr., and Sophia B. Robinson.

She loved to work in her community and served on various committees including the Wesley Ray Mass Reunion Committee, countless church efforts, researching and compiling her family history, repairing computers, designing programs and obituaries, and spending time with family and friends.

She leaves to cherish her memories one son and daughter-in-law, Rayford Bickham, Jr., and Dot Bickham of Angie, LA; a daughter and son-in-law, Sophia Robinson and Terrance Robinson of Angie, LA. Seven grandchildren, Ella Bickham of Atlanta, GA; Adrian Bickham of Houston, TX; Mia Harris and Michon Harris of Angie, LA; Christian Martin, Tayden Benne, and Ta’Liyah Martin of Varnado, LA. One great grandchild, Josiah H. J. Louis of Atlanta, GA. Six brothers and sisters-in-law, Lucious (Linda) Dillon of Sharon, MA; twin brother Leonard (Stevie) Dillon, Jr., of Mansfield, OH; William (Doris) Dillon, Sr., of Angie, LA; Ray (Celestine) Dillon of Angie, LA; Mitchell (Ruth) Dillon of Angie, LA; and Samuel (Catherine) Collins of Sebring, FL. Three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Doris (Huey Sr.) Bickham of Angie, LA; Patricia (Robert Sr.) Temple of Angie, LA; and Cynthia Robertson of Denham Springs, LA. Sister-in-law, Linda Dillon of Varnado, LA.  Godchildren, Bendrick Martin, Chris Green, Roy Weary, Troy Weary, Kiera Green, Michael Weary, John Martin, and Melinda Martin.

She was preceded in death by her father Leonard Dillon, Sr., her mother Sophia Corine Dillon, sister Gloria Dillon, two brothers David Dillon, Sr, and Bernard Dillon, Sr. 

Services will be on December 20, 2021 at Pilgram Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Angie, Louisiana. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM until the Funeral Service at 2:30 PM.

Crain and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.