Gwendolyn Dolores Bickley – Known to all as “DEE” or “BIC” – was born on March 15, 1947, in Bonham, Texas. She attended Bailey English Elementary School in Bonham until her family moved to Dallas in 1954. In Dallas, she attended Charles A. Gill Elementary School, Robert T. Hill Jr. High, and graduated from Bryan Adams High School in 1965. Becoming the first member of her family to attend college, she obtained an Associates Degree at Henderson County Junior College, then furthered her education at Stephen F. Austin State University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and her Master's Degree in Sociology.
Born as part as part of the as part of the first wave of Post-War Baby Boomers, she learned the virtue of diligence and hard work from her parents, who were raised in a North Texas Farming Community and lived through The Great Depression and a world war. Her outgoing personality and natural friendliness led her to a career in sales. She worked in the printing industry in the Houston area all of her life. A career that spanned more than 45 years. During that time, she made many life-long friends.
Dee was an avid golfer, and loved to play in scramble tournaments. She was always a popular team member, not only because of her Texas-Sized personality, but also because she was allowed to play from the Lady's Tees and very often hit the longest drive of her foursome. She was also a passionate sports fan. Over the years, her allegiances moved away from her North Texas roots and toward the local Houston teams, The Rockets and Astros. But never, never, never, did her loyalty stray from her beloved Dallas Cowboys. Dee would proudly wear The Silver and Blue in even the most hostile environments. The world would come to a halt, and nothing else mattered when the "Boys" were playing.
Dee was also an animal lover, especially cats. She always had at least one pet cat, often more than one. If you knew Dee, you also knew Barkley or Bentley or one of her other favorites. Fiercely independent, Dee lived life on her own terms and in her own way. She never once considered herself disadvantaged as a woman making her way through a traditionally male profession. She used her infectious joy and quick wit to win over any skeptics. You could either choose to be her friend or get out of her way. The wisest chose to be her friend.
Dee was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Winnie Roberts of Dallas, Texas and by several of her beloved pet cats. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Lisa Roberts of Rowlett, Texas; by her niece, Valerie Roberts; nephews, Ryan, Michael, and Jeff Roberts; and by niece-in-law, Niki Ford Roberts; and great niece, Scarlett Roberts. She is also survived by her great and true friend, Cathy Colwell; and by dozens of other loving friends and colleagues.
Dee brightened the day of everyone she was around. She left the world a better place than she found it. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. Memorial contributions are suggested to Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or Houston Area Parkinson Society.
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