L'Wanda Ann (Hickman) Lewchuk

L'Wanda Ann Lewchuk, 77, had church with the Lord Sunday morning, December 17, 2023. She passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family. L'Wanda was born December 07, 1946 in Poplarville, the only child to Philmer "Bo" and Tessie Louise (Smith) Hickman. She grew up in rural Stone county on a small family farm, which was the norm for that 50s in the South. Raising animals and vegetables, getting her chores done, and playing with her cousins when time allowed defined her childhood. Her family raised cows, chickens, and sheep, which they sheared for wool. L'Wanda and Carvel were always in trouble for playing in the wool sacks it seemed. She attended school at Elarbee to start with, then on to Stone High, graduating with Class of 1964. From there, L'Wanda attended college at Perk and earned her Associates Degree in education, with plans of becoming a teacher. She went to work for Red Ladner at the courthouse in Wiggins, and met Billy Joe Lewchuk. They married in 1970 and made their home in Perkinston. They had two children which L'Wanda stayed at home with until they started school. She decided to go back to work as a teacher's assistant in the Stone County school system. In her career, she worked at all of the schools, and even spent some time with the handicapped class at Perk Elementary before her retirement. L'Wanda went on to teach at local Christian schools for the next several years as well. She is remembered as loving, dedicated family woman who put her children and others she cared for ahead of her own needs and wants. A faithful Christian, L'Wanda served wherever she was needed at church, and always opened her home to visiting and revival ministers through the years. Her hobbies or interests were her kids and grandchildren, wanting them around her as often as possible. She liked to sew and loved to garden and can vegetables. L'Wanda was always in the stands when her grandchildren were on the field, cheering them on as the proud "Granny" she was. She liked to go now, but preferred to be around home, taking care of her family more than anything else. L'Wanda will be forever loved and missed by all whose life she touched. She was preceded by parents, Bo and Tessie Hickman, and her husband of 50 years, Billy Joe Lewchuk. Left to cherish her memories are: her two children, daughter Pakki (Gay) Flurry and her son, Steven Lewchuk, all of Perkinston; and her cousin Carvel (Helen) Hickman. L'Wanda leaves a legacy of three grandchildren: two grands, Hannah and Hunter (Savannah) Flurry, with a great-grand, Steele William Flurry, along with her extended family, friends, students and co-workers through the years. Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 at Trinity Funeral Services in McHenry. At her request, the casket will be closed for a one hour visitation beginning at 12:00 PM, followed by a chapel service at 1:00 PM with Dr. Eugene Anderson officiating. Afterward, L'Wanda will be laid to rest beside her husband in the Biloxi Creek Church Cemetery. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Lewchuk family in their time of need and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers through the days ahead.