Michelle Lynn Hickman-Dogan

MICHELLE LYNN Hickman-Dogan thought of herself as a "soldier for the Lord."

"May God be the glory," was her daily chant, said her husband, Darnell Dogan. "She was a soldier, a flag-bearer for the Lord all of her life."

Michelle, who worked in the electronics field, a family matriarch and community leader, died May 29 of cancer. She was 47 and lived in the Northwood section.

She was born in Philadelphia to James Hickman and Edith Wills, an evangelist. She graduated from Bok Vocational High School in 1979, and later studied electronics at a number of local technical schools.

"She had to keep up," her husband said, explaining why she went to so many schools. "The field is always changing."

Michelle worked as an electronics assembler for the ADS/Transicoil company, manufacturers of motors and generators for commercial, military defense and aerospace programs.

"She enjoyed shopping, dining, the finer things of life, and raising her children," her husband said.

Michelle was a member of the Northwood Civic Association and Town Watch, and was dedicated to helping anyone who needed her.

"She really believed it takes a village to raise children," Darnell said.

Michelle was a member of Mount Zion Apostolic Church of Christ. She and Darnell met when they were 16 and had been together ever since.

"She had a strong will," he said. "She could be stern, but she was very compassionate and caring, a very positive and loving person."

Besides her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Melitta Dogan and Monique Dogan; two sons, Wayne and Maurice, and two grandchildren.

Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Bryant Baptist Church, 1140 S. 19th St. Friends may call at 8:30 a.m. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Ramona and Adams avenues. *