Matilda "Tilde" Williams Hickman

Matilda “Tilde” Williams Hickman, 84, of Memphis, TN, a woman whose spirit was as bold as the flavors she loved to cook, passed away surrounded by the people who knew her best. Born in New Orleans, she carried the heart and heritage of the city with her throughout her life. Her deep affection for Louisiana shaped her Cajun and Creole cooking, giving every meal she prepared an unmistakable flair.

Tilde had a lifelong love for cats, and to say she adored them would be an understatement. She rescued strays, cared for feral colonies, and filled her home with feline art. Her world was always full of whiskers, purrs, and the soft shuffle of paws a testament to her boundless compassion for animals.

After moving to Memphis, Tilde married shortly after high school and soon welcomed her first child, Jay Vincent, followed closely by her second, Steve Vincent. Both sons went on to become professional aviators, perhaps inspired by their mother’s independent spirit and fearless nature. Sixteen years later, she welcomed her daughter, Diana Jones, who lovingly cared for her throughout her later years.

Tilde is also survived by three grandchildren who brought her immense joy: Matthew and Sarah, the children of her son Steve, and Abbey Vincent, the daughter of her son Jay. Their lives and accomplishments were a constant source of pride and happiness for her.

In adulthood, Tilde made her way to Texas, where she put herself through school and built a successful career as a paralegal in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. During her time there, she developed a fondness for Tex‑Mex cuisine and a perfectly crafted margarita, adding both to her already rich culinary repertoire.

After the passing of her husband, Tilde retired and returned to Memphis to live with her daughter. She quickly became a familiar and beloved presence in her midtown neighborhood. Known affectionately as “Mama,” she was cherished for her bright smile, sharp wit, and unmistakable personality. Tilde was unapologetically herself whether in a lively conversation or a simple wave from the porch, and she brought warmth and spirit to everyone, fortunate enough to cross her path.

During her retirement, Tilde discovered a deep love for gardening, a passion she shared with Diana. She especially adored climbing pink roses which was a preference likely rooted in the cherished memory of the pink climbing rose bush that grew in her own mother’s yard. She blended her love of gardening with her love of cooking, planting fresh herbs she used generously in her dishes. She took pride not only in growing them but also in knowing their scientific names, a small detail that reflected her curiosity and delight in the natural world.

Spring was her favorite season, when she oversaw an impressive amount of plant propagation, most often tropical varieties. She had a particular fondness for monsteras, nurturing them with the same care and attention she gave to everything she loved.

Though she faced significant cardiac issues later in life, Tilde met them with the same fierce independence that defined her. She chose to live life her way with her trademark stubbornness, a glass of red wine, and a lifelong love for cats.

Tilde was imperfect, unforgettable, and entirely unique. She lived boldly, loved deeply in her own way, and leaves behind stories that will be told and laughed about for years to come.

A memorial service will be held at Brantley Funeral Home on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11:00 am.