Dress Barn to Pay for Marshall Student's Funeral
Dress Barn to Pay for Marshall Student's Funeral Save Email Print
Posted: 11:12 AM Dec 28, 2007
 Last Updated: 11:12 AM Dec 28, 2007
 Reporter: The Associated Press
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) - The funeral tab for the Marshall University student found dead in a crawl space after a week-long search will be paid for by her former employer.

Leah Hickman, 21, was a part-time employee at The Dress Barn when she disappeared Dec. 14.

Family members had been trying to reach her that night, but it wasn't until she missed a 5 p.m. shift at the Barboursville store the next day that they grew concerned. Hickman had worked at the store for about five months.

On Saturday, visitation will be held at 1 p.m. at the Point Pleasant National Guard Armory, and the funeral will start at 7:30.

The case is being investigated as a homicide.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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Posted by: mari on Jul 19, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Nice of Dress Barn to pay for something unfortunately you have to be dead...DRESS BARN DOES NOTHING FOR THEIR LIVING LIVE EMPLOYEES WHO COME TO WORK-WON'T EVEN BUY A PENCIL..WE HAVE TO USE STICK FIGURES TO COUNT ITEMS WE SELL. TOO CHEAP TO UPGRADE ANYTHING. THEY GIVE NOTHING.
Posted by: truthhurts on Jan 24, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Thank you dress barn for such a kind gesture!
Posted by: Tammy W on Jan 13, 2008 at 11:15 PM
The dress barn needs to be recognized more for there generous givings. god bless this wonderful company.
Posted by: Joyce on Jan 9, 2008 at 04:01 PM
First of all I would like to express my deepest sympathy for Leah Hickman's family. I did not have the pleasure of knowing her, sounds like she was a very caring person and was loved by many. She is safe in heaven now. I would also like to include a few words in reference to Dress Barn, what a caring, gracious, and generous Company, unheard of today. This would not happen in big corporations and feel Dress Barn should be nationally recognised for their kindness and generousity in a tragic time for the family of Leah. God Bless to all
Posted by: rodney dameron on Jan 5, 2008 at 02:48 AM
Im really sorry for the family.
Posted by: tina on Jan 4, 2008 at 07:00 PM
i worked with leah at dressbarn, and she was one of the most caring people i know. she had a very warm personality. it was a true honor to have known leah. she was a true angel on earth. she will be missed by all. i hope that leahs family can find peace to know that their little angel is heavan looking down on them. my prayers are with all of you.
Posted by: Angry on Dec 30, 2007 at 05:18 PM
The Dress Barn just goes to show you that there are still caring human beings in this world we live in....unlike Bob Evans in Mason who wouldn't even allow a missing poster to be hung in their restaurant. The fill in Manager said he wasn't authorized to allow solicitations to be hung up. Bad judgment call on their behalf. Human life or the risk of being repremanded for hanging up a flyer of a missing girl?????? I hope they have their priorities straight now, I know what my priorities are, they are to eat somewhere else other than there. P.S they were allowed to hang the poster the next day after receiving permission from the head honcho..a day could have meant the difference between life or death if this had been a diffrent situation such as a kidnapping. When did a missing person flyer become solicitation, it wasn't like they lost their puppy, or had a car for sale.
Posted by: anon on Dec 30, 2007 at 09:04 AM
IN RE: TO POST: Posted by: anonymous post my comment you cowards!! I was only being honest and telling the truth OK.. WHAT TRUTH ARE YOU TELLING?.. DO YOU KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THE CASE? IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY, CALL THE POLICE AND GIVE THEM A STATEMENT. AS FOR THE OTHER ANON POST, ABOUT WHAT WAS DONE TO HER, SHE WAS MURDERED! WHY MUST YOU KNOW ANYTHING ELSE? WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO KNOW.. DO YOU WANT DETAILS OF HER MURDER, HOW PERVERTED!
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 30, 2007 at 12:58 AM
use some money to hire private detectives to solve the case before it is too late...the HPD can write parking tickets etc,but they have no top notch detectives
Posted by: stan on Dec 29, 2007 at 09:12 PM
what a place that put it people first. two thumbs up for the dress barn
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM
god bless the dress barn! you should be honored to have done something so couragious. most people these days only think about themselves. it goes to show what an amazing girl Leah must have really been.
Posted by: Kathy on Dec 29, 2007 at 03:15 PM
I wrote to the Dress Barn's customer service and thanked them. They are one awesome corporation! I'm sure their kindness, concern and goodness has been a real blessing to Leah's family. You just don't hear about any company doing things like this anymore. This company definitely has a soul and a heart and they have certainly gone to the mat for Leah and her family. I hope that THEY help keep the pressure on the police to solve Leah's case and not let it become a "cold" case I know that their other local employees are so thankful for the company's understanding during their time of loss and grief as well. Leah was one very good little soul with a huge presence in so many lives she touched in her way too short lifetime. She has become the daughter/granddaughter/niece/sister of all of us even those of us not fortunate to have known her. Leah, angel, you will be missed by SO many people and my heart, thoughts and prayers go out to her family/friends tonight
Posted by: JEAN on Dec 29, 2007 at 02:46 PM
The Dress Barn chain is to be commented on their loyalty to their employees. I am a customer and it makes me want to give them more business. I hope the New Year is prosperous in everyway for them. I can only imagine what it would feel like to have something like this happen to one of my fellow employees. Greed is destroying the world and I cannot express enough how the Dress Barn chain has touched my heart with their thoughtfulness to this youny lady and her family.
Posted by: Lori L. on Dec 29, 2007 at 01:14 PM
I did not have the privilege of knowing Leah but I know Ron and Sherry and they are both wonderful people. The Hickman's and Russell's have been in my prayers. I'm sure thousands of other people are doing the same but the Dress Barn has went above and beyond and I'm sure the family and friends of Leah appreciate it immensely. I have never even been in the Dress Barn but on my next trip to Huntington it will be my first stop!!!
Posted by: mary on Dec 29, 2007 at 12:19 PM
I can't say anything more than what has already been said about the Dress Barn. I have only been in there once, but I will definitely shop there more. Paying $10,000 for the funeral is awesome. However, closing the store during one of the busiest shopping period and allowing co-workers a bereavement day by bringing in workers from other stores is something money can't buy. Put it all together, and you have one terrific company that I would hope serve as an example to other companies. I know a lot of small businesses can't do a lot, but doing what you can whether you are a company or an individual is what matters. Great job, Dress Barns!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 29, 2007 at 11:10 AM
Have they ever said we happened to her. What did this person or persons do to her.
Posted by: unknown on Dec 29, 2007 at 10:31 AM
this is so nice for the dress barn to do this.. im sure leahs family is so grateful for this.... i have never shoped at the dress barn before.. but i will asure you i will for now on.... GOd bless the dress barn... and leah hickmans family.... i hope the police find this monster soon... thats if they havent already left huntington..
Posted by: Jason on Dec 29, 2007 at 09:07 AM
This has to be the kindest most respectful gesture that I have seen in a very long time.If we had more people like this on this earth it wouldnt be such a scary place to live.I hope everyone remembers this when it comes time to shop! I know me and my family will.God Bless You Dress Barn folks! You are surely amazing people.
Posted by: anonymous on Dec 29, 2007 at 08:58 AM
post my comment you cowards!! I was only being honest and telling the truth
Posted by: Daryl on Dec 29, 2007 at 08:55 AM
I did not know this young lady but I would volunteer my time at the Dress Barn in honor of that lady and what the store is doing for her family.
Posted by: KEN on Dec 29, 2007 at 01:30 AM
THIS COMPANY NEEDS TO BE HONORED FOR ALL THEY HAVE DONE FOR THIS FAMILY NO OTHER COMPANY IN THE USA IS SO NICE AND SHOWS THEY CARE SO MUCH I WORK FOR NS RAILROAD AND THEY WOULD EVEN LET US OFF FOR A SUPERVISORS FUNERAL ITS ALL ABOUT THEM AND MONEY IT IS NICE TO SEE A GREAT AMERICAN COMPANY LIKE THIS ESPECIALLY IN THIS TIME MY WIFE WILL BE DOING MORE SHOPPING WITH THE DRESS BARN NOW AND EVEYONE IN OUR AREA SHOULD DO THE SAME I WOULD LIKE TO MEET THE PERSON IN CHARGE AT THIS COMPANY TO SHAKE THEIR HAND FACE TO FACE AND TELL THEM THEY ARE MY HERO !!!!! IF ANYONE KNOWS COMMENT ME BACK THANKS KEN AKERS
Posted by: elaina on Dec 29, 2007 at 12:29 AM
I thank that is very nice of them.god bless the family.
Posted by: Marsha on Dec 28, 2007 at 10:11 PM
Kudos to the Dress Barn. They have earned more respect by their actions than we have seen in a looonnnngggg time. Yes this story needs to go nation wide and the Dress Barn needs to be recognized as a Hometown Hero. However I feel like they are such a class act and humble group of people they wouldn't want it. They are like the bible verse that says the right hand shouldn't know what the left hand is doing and vice versa. They have hopefully revived how businesses and employers should show respect for a deceased employee and colleagues. When you work with someone for 40 hours a week they too become like a family member. God has truly blessed the Dress Barn with such people. I am sure Miss Hickman's family and friends appreciate this during such a tragic time. Like so many others have said this family has been and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
Posted by: Deb on Dec 28, 2007 at 09:52 PM
I've shopped the Dress Barn before, but I can tell you after all I've read since this whole tragedy unfolded, I will be a much more frequent shopper and buyer! What a class act and one that other businesses could use as an example. Everyone should support them to the fullest due to their unselfishness through this whole experience. To think this is all for a part time employee of only 5 months! You will surely reap the benfits of your kindness to this family and community.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 28, 2007 at 09:13 PM
There aren't many employers like this anymore. I commend the Dress Barn on this worderful kindness to the Hickman family. With all they are goinbg through, this will take some of the stress off of them and they can focus on remembering their Daughter and not worrying about the funeral cost. Kudos to the Dress Barn!
Posted by: AMY on Dec 28, 2007 at 09:01 PM
THIS IS WONDERFUL WHAT THE DRESS BARN IS DOING...IT AMAZES ME!! WHAT A GREAT COMPANY! I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO LEAHS FAMILY AND FRIENDS! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Posted by: Donna on Dec 28, 2007 at 08:44 PM
Thank God here are still people like this still in the world....I have never been to the dress barn...but bet your bottom dollar I will make it a point to shop there..God Bless You!!
Posted by: Jamie on Dec 28, 2007 at 06:24 PM
What a nice employer to not only put up a pretty big reward but now to pay for her funeral. We should all be so lucky to work for someone so great. May this help the family some through such a tragic time.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 28, 2007 at 04:50 PM
This place seems like a really nice place to work. They closed the store (during a busy holiday weekend when they could have made lots of money) in her memory, then they brought in out-of-state employees so her normal co-workers could attend the funeral, and now they're paying for it. Kudos to you, Dress Barn. I know a guy who wouldn't close his store if his own wife died.
Posted by: Jake on Dec 28, 2007 at 04:47 PM
When are police going to say anything about this case? What the hell are they doing?
Posted by: coalgrove on Dec 28, 2007 at 04:37 PM
THAT IS VERY NICE ,THAT DRESS BARN IS PAYING FOR LEAH HICKMANS FUNERAL. GOD BLESS YOU ALL .
Posted by: Missy on Dec 28, 2007 at 04:36 PM
I think that that is totally awesome. I do not know what other company that cares that much for their employees. My prayers are with the family and friends of this young lady.
Posted by: huntington resident on Dec 28, 2007 at 03:25 PM
I would like to take this time to say that I think the Dress Barn must be the most amazing place. It deserves national attention for this. They closed down during the busiest times of the year and they offered the reward and now they are paying for the funeral. She only worked here for 5 mos. There are some companies who would not do this for an employee they had for 30 years. Kudos to this wonderful company and it goes to show that Leah must have truly been a wonderful person. I am amazed by the company's loyalty to Leah and I will continue to have the utmost respect for them. God Bless all of you at this company. You are amazing and it will not go unnoticed.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 28, 2007 at 03:15 PM
That is just awesome. I am sure the family is thankful for this. You dont see this too often. It shows how many people this girl touched.
Posted by: oledawg on Dec 28, 2007 at 03:04 PM
My heart sank when I read this story. May God bless The Dress Store for their compassion and surely He has welcomed her into His Kingdom. I pray that no harm comes to my daughters and grand-daughters in this wicked, depraved world.
Posted by: Tamara on Dec 28, 2007 at 02:55 PM
My very deepest sympathies go out to this young woman's family and loved ones. Also, I'd like to say I will go out of my way to shop at Dress Barn, knowing that they are such wonderful people who immediately step up to the plate when tragedy strikes. Business such as Dress Barn should be held up as a model for all local businesses.
Posted by: BRANDY on Dec 28, 2007 at 02:10 PM
I think that is a wonderful thing for the Dress Barn to do to help Leahs family. I hope when everyone is shopping they remember this and also that the Dress Barn put up a reward of $ 10,000 for information when Leah was still missing.
Posted by: Carol on Dec 28, 2007 at 01:43 PM
Taking a chance of commenting because my comments never get posted. I will be a faithful Dress Barn shopper. God bless this business!
Posted by: Melinda on Dec 28, 2007 at 01:23 PM
Someone needs to give this store an award because no business in West Virginia would have done something this good for a worker of theirs. Dress Barn has some wonderful people to do something good for this girl and it needs more recognition for its good doing, because its hard enough for the family to deal with the grief but funeral expenses on top of it can be really hard to pay for when it comes all of a sudden. GOD BLESS YOU DRESS BARN! You set an example of how businesses should really be towards their employees.
Posted by: tina on Dec 28, 2007 at 12:52 PM
this is so sweet. god bless the dress barn company!! we need more individuals and companies like this in our world....
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 28, 2007 at 12:33 PM
that helps the family in time of need,the Dress Barn has been pure class......I hope they consider paying for private detectives to solve this,the HPD is clueless,they mean well,but time for them to move over...the $$ they spend on this investigation could hire real people to solve the case,too many unsolved in Huntington
Posted by: kw on Dec 28, 2007 at 12:09 PM
I think this is a great gesture. I am sure the family is very appreciative. What a way for the community to pull together at this terrible time.
Posted by: Cowana Brown on Dec 28, 2007 at 11:46 AM
I've only been to the Dress Barn a couple of times and I do remember seeing Leah there. After I've seen how this company treats their employees I will support them as much and as often as I can. I hope other people feel the same. I thank you and I know the families of Leah feel the same way. Which Jessica works for Fruth Pharmacy and from day one they told us to do whatever it took to take care of her ane her family and we have tried to so just that. It is good to know that there are still companies out there like this. God Bless You.
Posted by: Anon on Dec 28, 2007 at 11:20 AM
How nice of the Dress Barn to do this. Most part-time employess don't get any benefits. I will shop at the Dress Barn more often. I bet Wal-Mart would have never done something this kind.
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