Valdosta, Georgia - UPDATE: Please use the following link to access the livestream of Bobbie's Celebration of Life on October 28 at 6pm (doors open at 5:30) - https://facebook.com/events/s/celebration-of-life-for-dr-bob/27133621062919541/

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UPDATE: The Celebration of Life originally scheduled for October 9 has been rescheduled. It will now be held Monday, October 28, at 6:00 PM (doors open at 5:30). The location is unchanged- the Magnolia Room of the VSU University Center. Attendance is open to the public. An online live-stream option will be posted soon.

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Dr. Bobbie B. Ticknor, age 48, passed away after a recent illness on September 7, 2024, at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Born on September 12, 1975, she is survived by her husband, Michael Ticknor, of Valdosta, Georgia, as well as her daughter, Amanda Gayer, son-in-law, Wyatt Gayer, and grandchildren, Aria and Ivan Gayer, of Madison, Indiana.

Bobbie was born and spent her youth in Cincinnati, Ohio. She and Michael married June 28, 2003. Prior to becoming a criminal justice professor, she was a professional software developer for several years. She received her doctorate from the University of Cincinnati in 2014 after earning her bachelor's degree from Northern Kentucky University. She moved to Valdosta in 2014 to become Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Valdosta State University. She was promoted to full professor in July 2024.

Bobbie broke free from a troubled beginning to lead a full and meaningful life. This included international travel, national TV, a commitment to social justice, and deep devotion as a professor, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. A skillful and enthusiastic chef, she was a contestant on the reality TV show Cooks vs. Cons in 2016. She was a lover of travel and fine dining and enjoyed nothing more than cooking a great meal for people she loved.

An active scholar, Bobbie published a groundbreaking paper in 2011 - Virtual reality and the criminal justice system: new possibilities for research, training, and rehabilitation. In 2013, she piloted the first treatment group for offenders using a virtual environment. She went on to publish several additional papers and a book on this topic - Virtual Reality and the Criminal Justice System: Exploring the Possibilities for Correctional Rehabilitation. She also served a three-year term as president of the Criminology Consortium and its annual CrimCon conference. She was deeply committed to criminal justice reform. She empathized with the downtrodden and fought injustice at every turn.

In her work and service at VSU, Bobbie established the innovative VSU Virtual Reality Lab. She was also active on the Campus Wellness Committee, spearheading the creation of the VSU Walking Trail System. This spring, the Office of Career Opportunities and Volunteer Services renamed an award in recognition of her ongoing commitment to VSU students: the "Dr. Bobbie B. Ticknor Blazer Pantry and Closet Champion Award." Her dear friend Margaret Duncan was the award's first recipient.

Bobbie was a dedicated professor to her VSU students and was especially known for incorporating hands-on learning and active engagement in her students' learning processes. Beyond the classroom, she was active as an academic advisor and mentor.

Known for her lively wit, bright smile, and deep generosity, Bobbie often treated her friends to celebratory meals and spirited parties featuring movie nights, the game Cards Against Humanity, karaoke, and comical gift exchanges. She adored the Christmas season and started decorating each year as early as October. Bobbie had a gift for bringing people together who otherwise might not have known each other and helping them forge lasting bonds. She likewise loved to take care of her family and friends, who describe her as brave, beautiful, sassy, fierce, loving, strong, ribald, passionate, hilarious, and much beloved. She was a force.

A Celebration of Life for Bobbie will be held at Valdosta State University on Monday, October 28, at 6:00 PM in the Magnolia Room of the University Center. Attendance is open to the public. An online live-stream option will also be available.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Bobbie's memory to one of the following causes:

- Valdosta State University Volunteer Services for Blazer Pantry and Closet by check or at https://community.valdostastate.org/give

- The Haven - providing shelter and support to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking - by check at P.O. Box 5382, Valdosta, GA, 31603.