I can’t believe it’s already been a year since Mary Helen became an angel. We met though her cats, Josh and Daniel. And I had the joy to get to know her over the years as her veterinarian  and as her friend. She was such a kind person. She loved her animals so much and took great care of them. One of my favorite memories:: She hosted a birthday party for her cat, Josh at the vet office to thank us for the help over his years managing his chronic diseases. I enjoyed visits with Mary Helen:: she was always so upbeat, independent, and fun to talk to. We would often go to Texas Roadhouse and she always ordered tea, steak, and potatoes! She hosted me for dinner a number of times through the years and she made delicious home cooked meals each time. She always talked so fondly of her family, her alma mater, and her dedication to her friends / family / work life. She made friends everywhere she lived, I knew, and she was an easy and fun person to know. I miss her and think of her often.

I am truly saddened to learn of Mary Helen’s passing.  I have met many people and she was one of the kindest.  She will be missed.

Sincerely,
Renée Flynt

Sorry to lose this great W alum. She was always there at Homecoming; helping out wherever needed. Mary Helen will be missed. 

Anyone who could claim friendship with Mary Helen Hicks was fortunate indeed!  Words that come to mind include loyal, dependable, smart, successful, giving, and loving.  You knew she cared about you because of the actions she took (e.g., phone calls or texts to check on you, inviting you over for dinner, and offering to assist you with a chore or task). 

Mary Helen and I became friends through the MUW Alumni Association.  She was usually at homecoming and was active on the MUW Foundation.  We lived in different states until she moved to Texas after getting a job with Aimbridge Hospitality.  We would meet for dinner and talk on the phone often, and I thoroughly enjoyed having another W alum that I knew well in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.  We even helped plan an alumni chapter meeting or two.

In addition to a good friend, she was a fabulous employee!  She had workaholic tendencies and was on the road a lot, but she was trusted by her employer with the final accounting reviewing a hotel’s books before a sale went through.  It required long hours, often under intense pressure to get it done, but she made it happen.  Thank heavens she was able to take her beloved cats on the road with her. 

She built a beautiful new house in The Colony and had my husband, Andy, and I over for dinner.  Of course, it was spotless with everything in its place except for a few cat toys.    She was so fortunate to live where she did because her neighborhood was simply amazing!  They not only knew each other, but they actively cared for each other.  They would mow each other’s lawns, water plants, check on you if you were sick, have cookouts, and sit on the front lawn visiting in the evenings.  It was truly ideal.  Mary Helen loved her neighbors, and they loved her.

Rest in peace my friend!  You may be gone, but you will be long remembered!

Mary Helen and I met when I was in graduate school and over the years, we stayed close friends. She was like a part of our family, attending our children’s weddings and going to MS State ballgames with us. We stayed with her for the NCAA Women’s Final Four and she with us at the game when MS State beat UConn!  Lots of fun memories. She stayed with us when she came back for events at MUW and she even visited when there weren’t “W” events. She enjoyed outside projects and often asked David if she could help. I remember her helping when he was running a waterline and even riding in his ratty dump truck. She had texted Sunday before last to make sure we made the trip to Omaha safely. We are still here, for at least one more game and Mary Helen would understand why we can’t be in Memphis tomorrow morning. We will miss Mary Helen. 💔

I dearly loved Mary Helen . I loved her daddy too. I will miss seeing her at Homecoming. Such a dear lady and friend,

What a precious friend Mary Helen was to many, many of us "W" girls!  She was a consistent and passionate supporter of our alma mater and also of those of us lucky enough to be in her large circle of friends.  We could always count on Mary Helen to bring a measured and calm analysis of whatever we were considering.  Her Faith was foundational to her moving through the world.  I feel so blessed to have known her and loved her.  Thank you to her family for sharing her with us for many, many years.  My prayers and love are with you.

Mary Helen joined the company I worked for in Memphis around 1988.  We quickly became friends and colleagues and never have I known someone so dedicated to excellence.  As life unfolded and I made a few moves to other companies, Mary Helen would often make the move to join me.  Mostly recently all the way out here to Texas several years ago.  A better friend I've never known.  She was always ready to jump in and help on anything.  So many memories of different events and she was always in the middle helping with a fantastic positive attitude.  I along with so many friends she has made through these moves will miss her dearly.  I regret that I can not travel to be there for the service.  I especially will miss seeing her father who I had many occasions to be with as he would often visit Mary Helen in the 30+ years that have gone by.  I will never forget you Mary Helen.  You're one in a million.  

Tom and children I am very sorry for your loss. My Prayers are with 
you.    Love in Christ Fay Wilson.                                                                                                                                                    

Susie, we are so sorry to hear about your loss.  Love you dearly.
Garry and Jane Maness

Mary Helen and I went to the “W” together and lived in the same dorm a couple of different years.  She was a very sweet person.   I am so sorry for your loss.  Prayers to you and your family.

OBITUARY

Mary Helen Hicks

May 20, 1956 – June 22, 2021

Memphis Funeral Home

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