Mary Joyce Hickson-Szten

Mary Joyce Hickson-Szten, 86, of Naranja, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2014. Joyce was born on April 14, 1928 in Rockville Centre, NY. The daughter of Irene Thayer and William Gensch, Joyce moved to Key West in the late 1940's where she worked for Bell South and met Blair Burwell Hickson. They were later united in marriage on December 14, 1953. They had 31 wonderful years together until his passing in 1984. Joyce had another chance for love when she was reacquainted with Emil M. Szten of Virginia, on a cruise. They were married on November 30, 1997 and became snowbirds alternating time in Naranja, FL and Vienna, VA.

Joyce vigorously pursued her education attending Miami Dade College, University of Miami, and finally, achieving her Doctorate of Educational Leadership in 1984, from Nova Southeastern University.

Joyce was passionate about learning. After several years as a teacher at Redland Middle School, she made the leap to Activities Director at South Dade High School. She was promoted to Director of Student Services and Head of Guidance for the Dade County School system until she retired. Continuing to help others, she invested her time at the First Presbyterian Church of Homestead, as a Deacon, Elder, and youth group leader. She taught others to continue this mission as lay counselors for the Steven's Ministry. A woman of God, she led Bible Study Fellowship and bible studies throughout her lifetime. She enjoyed traveling, playing golf, and, most especially, getting together with her bridge club, a group of people she considered some of her best friends.

Survivors include her wonderful husband Emil M. Szten; Son; Clifford Hickson, and his wife Cheryl Hickson; Daughter; Pamela J. Hickson, and her husband, Edward A. Sichler, Jr.; Son; Christopher Mark Hickson, and his wife Cyndee L. Hickson; Step-Daughter; Penny Sebrell, and her husband Tom; Grandchildren: Alyson Hickson, Scotty Hickson, Megan Sichler, Blair Hickson, Michael Hickson, and Victoria Sichler, Maggie Breed Wilson and husband, Justin. Sister-In-Law: Frances Hickson and Louise Hickson; Nephews: John Hickson and his wife, Vickie Hickson; Randy Hickson; and Randolph Dease and his wife Claudia of Orlando; Niece: Anne Hickson, Mary Hickson, Margaret Hickson Britton, Suzanne Love and her husband Henry Love; along with many other nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Joyce's life will be held at City Church of Homestead, on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at 3 PM. A private interment will be held the following day at Palm-Woodlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Joyce Hickson-Szten may be made to:

https://gifts.mdanderson.org/mdanderson/main.php/micro_sites/showpage?id=28 (copy and paste)