Janel Hickerson Blackbourn

Janel Hickerson was born November 3, 1932 to parents James Henry Hickerson and Maryallen Elizabeth Nelson in Cedar, Texas. She left this world and entered into God's presence on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Janel attended SMU where she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. There she met Herbert Ellis Blackbourn on the steps of one of the halls of SMU. They were married at the Sudie George Memorial Chapel of the First Presbyterian Church on December 21, 1951 in Dallas. Their honeymoon was to Houston, Texas.

Her Daughter Nelda (Dollie) was born in Dallas in on December 31,1954. After losing her mother in 1956, She and Herbert (Blackie) moved in with her grandparents to help care for them while her father James was in the European theater with Eisenhower's staff. Then because of Herbert's job, they moved to Amarillo where James (Boots) was born in 1963.

A move to Houston, allowed her to continue her college education at the U of H. She majored in English and minored in Education. In 1972 she began working with the Department of Human Services.

Janel is survived by her daughter Nelda (Roger) Swetnam and son James (Janine) Blackbourn as well as her grandchildren Christopher Wade, Sarah Ann, and David William Swetnam, Tyler Liddell, Justin Ryan (Annie), Marilyn Alexis (Davis) Algra, and Miranda Rene Blackbourn. Her great grandchildren Jacob Anthony and Logan Chase Duncan, Caleb Ellisor, Russell Lloyd, Cody William, Emily Grace Swetnam, Owen James Blackbourn and Peter Austin Algra.

Mimi adored her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a loving mother, Mimi, and friend.

She will be deeply missed by all.

Visitation will be held at Brookside Funeral Home - Champion, 3410 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, TX 77068, US, on April 27, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.

A Celebration of Life will follow at Brookside Funeral Home - Champion, 3410 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, TX 77068, US, on April 27, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, US, on April 27, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.