The Harbor at Hickory Hill resident Judy Hickman has built her life around learning, hard work and compassion. From her academic achievements and long career in information technology to her love of travel, cats and charitable giving, Judy has always brought intelligence and heart to everything she does.



Born in Mississippi, Judy grew up in Georgia. For much of her childhood, it was just Judy and her father. That changed when her father remarried while she was in high school. Almost overnight, Judy went from being an only child to having four brothers, bringing a whole new family dynamic into her life.

Judy excelled academically from an early age. After graduating from high school, she left Atlanta and moved to North Georgia to continue her education. She remained there for one year before returning to Atlanta and enrolling at Georgia State University. Her intellectual curiosity led her to pursue several degrees, studying English, business and psychology. Each subject reflected a different side of Judy: her appreciation for language, her practical understanding of organizations and her interest in how people think and behave.

After completing her education, Judy began a remarkable career with Southern Company. She worked in management within the information technology field, where she also specialized in disaster recovery. Her work required careful planning, strong leadership and the ability to remain focused when systems and operations were at risk. Just as she had in school, Judy excelled in her profession. She remained with Southern Company for approximately 35 to 40 years before retiring, completing a career defined by dedication, skill and loyalty.

Outside of work, Judy developed a love for travel. Most of her adventures took place within the United States, giving her the opportunity to experience the country’s many different regions and natural wonders. Of all the places she visited, Alaska remained her favorite. She was deeply impressed by its landscape, which she described as both amazing and beautiful.

Judy’s compassion has been especially clear in her love for cats. She became deeply involved in cat rescue, giving vulnerable animals the care, safety and second chances they needed. For Judy, loving animals was not simply an interest. It was something she put into action.

That same generous spirit extended to many other causes. Judy has a big heart and has given generously to numerous charitable organizations throughout her life. Whether she was helping animals or supporting people through causes she believed in, she quietly used what she had to make life better for others.

Judy Hickman’s story is one of intelligence, determination and kindness. She pursued an impressive education, built a successful career in a demanding field and still made room for travel, animals and generosity. Her life reminds us that achievement is even more meaningful when it is paired with compassion and a willingness to help others.