Life's Reflection Allen and Clarice Waters knew that love is the vehicle that transports all our hopes, dreams and successes. As parents, they realized those dimensions when Jane Virginia Waters was born to them on November 30, 1939, in Greenwood, Delaware. As their first born, she was a trailblazer for her two brothers and all others who would follow in her footsteps. She began her educational journey in the Greenwood Public Schools. At an early age she knew consistent studying paired with research and application would change her world through learning and doing. She enhanced her learned skills with volunteering as a form of sharing her knowledge. Jane pursued the theories and techniques of organized educational practices at Delaware State University and received a degree in elementary education that carried her on a 36-year teaching journey. Teaching was a source of joy for Jane. She taught her sorors lifelong character traits because she led the way as a first line (charter member) of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority at Delaware State. She brought that same dedication to the Alpha Psi Zeta graduate chapter in Los Angeles. Her educational career began as a 4th grade teacher in Asbury, New Jersey. She honed her teaching skills and taught kindergarten in the Covina Valley School District for the next 34 years. Year after year, class after class, child after child, she taught. She taught so that her students would be prepared to move through life equipped to learn, to do, to teach. Once in California, she met and married Jewell Bickham who provided for his family while working at General Dynamics and later as a realtor. To this union were born one daughter and one son. Her life journey as teacher, friend and leader continued with her membership in the National Council of Negro Women. Her other activities included the Red Hat Society, the Claremont Rembrandt Club and the Gardening Club of La Verne. Each involvement presented a competent, confident and organized member. Jane never veered from teaching whether in a classroom or on a cruise. Locations all around the world became her next destination. From France to Australia, from Croatia to South Africa, from China to Hawaii, Jane traveled to 60 countries. She was always waving good-bye or smiling when returning with treasures and memories. Her anticipated and spirited travels in this life ended on December 6, 2014. Left to cherish her memory are her brother Allen L. Waters of Plainfield, NJ, her daughter Laura Ann Gray of Watchung, NJ, her son, Kenric Bickham of Claremont, CA and his friend, Gretchen Hunsicker. Her grandchildren are Kyran Gray, Skylyn J. and Jocelyn V. Bickham; her nieces – Lakeisha Moore and Dr. Alstacia Waters and her cousins; James and Pauline Carter, Bryant, Howard and Kevin Bell, and Preston and Charles Grace. Jane is preceded in death by her husband, Jewell Bickham; her father and mother, Allen and Clarice Waters; and her brother, George Waters. She leaves one great grandson, Aiden Gray and innumerable other relatives, family and friends who will continue to see Jane as an inspiration, mentor and advocate. Jane established the Jane W. Bickham Endowed Scholarship to support students majoring in Early Childhood Education. In lieu of flowers, Jane has requested that memorial contributions be made to Delaware State University Foundation, Inc., Office of Development, 1200 N. DuPont Hwy., Dover, DE 19901.