Erica Lynn Wickham

She was born on May 16, 1984 in Oneonta, a daughter of James and Merry Lou (Fuller) Wickham of Oneonta. Erica graduated from Myrtle Beach High School in South Carolina, and went on to earn a degree in Dietetics from SUNY Oneonta. She then obtained her Masters Degree at D’Youville College in Buffalo and earned the distinction of Certified Registered Dietician. She was employed by St. Mercy Hospital in Hornell, New York where she worked in the dialysis unit, with the day care program as well as the nursing home and hospital. She recently had relocated to work at the Susquehanna Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Johnson City, New York. Erica also enjoyed doing research and writing and had published several online nutrition articles.

Erica had a tremendous, unwavering faith in God. While living in Hornell she became a devoted member of the Fresh Start Church, and joined the women's prayer group. She grew up attending the First United Presbyterian (Red Door) Church in Oneonta and became a member.

She was a courageous, determined young woman who overcame many health challenges, beginning in childhood. She was well loved by her parents, family, and friends. Erica inspired many, many people by overcoming her health challenges and persisted in not letting any obstacle slow her down.

Erica is survived by her parents, James and Merry Lou Wickham; her brothers, Jay (Stacy) Conklin, Steve (Barbara) Wickham, and Scott (Michelle) Wickham; her sister, Stacie (Joey) Shepp; and her paternal grandmother, Catherine Wickham. She is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, James and Eva Fuller, and her paternal grandfather, Ted Wickham.

Friends and family are invited to visit from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta, during which time her family will be receiving guests.

A memorial service to celebrate Erica's life will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, December 10, 2015 at the First United Presbyterian Church (Red Door), located on the corner of Walling Ave and Main St in Oneonta, with the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Walton-Leavitt and Reverend Matthew Sassano, Pastor of the Fresh Start Church in Hornell, NY, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Erica’s family requests that you kindly consider making a donation in her memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Her family would also like to extend a very special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and entire staff of the Bassett Medical Center ICU Dept. for the exceptional care and attention that Erica received and for the staff’s compassion and support of the family during this most difficult time.