Debra Kay Hickman Willeford

Debra Kay “Debbie” Hickman Willeford, 70, was born in Clear Lake, Texas on June 10, 1952 to Ola Faye (Plaster) and Odine Malek. She went to reunite with her family and friends in heaven on September 2, 2022.  Debbie was raised in Alvin, Texas from birth through high school.  She met her future husband Roy Hickman when she was 15 years old at the baseball fields where her Daddy was his coach, and they eventually married on October 19, 1968.  They enjoyed living their newlywed years surrounded by family and traveling.  In March of 1971, they welcomed their first child, Deana and 4 years later, a second child, Kendra.  Roy and Debbie picked up a few years later and moved the family to Lake Jackson, Texas, where they raised their daughters into their teen years.  During this time, they also began construction on a house at Lake Somerville as a weekend home, where our mom fell in love with the lake life.  She retired from Methodist Hospital 8 years ago and built her “She-Shed” at the lake where she wanted to spend her retirement years living the country life.  She enjoyed having the deer lay on her porch and being able to feed and nurture them.

Anyone who knew mom, knows she lived her life unapologetically herself every single day.  She was spunky, outspoken, and had a witty and infectious sense of humor.  Her laugh was contagious, at times until she cried. She was a big lover of Mexican food and Texas BBQ.  Mom was a diligent supporter of all Law Enforcement and Veterans.  Throughout her life she sported several different bracelets in honor of her cousin, Billy Joe Plaster, who died in Vietnam.

Her favorite job in life was being a “Mimi”, she was blessed with her first grandchild, Alexis, in 1996, who she lovingly called “Lex”.  They attended many Texans and Astros games together through the years, as mom was a sports FANATIC, especially for her Texans (no matter how bad they were, she always said that was better than being a “Cowgirls” fan), Astros and Aggies!  If it involved a ball, she was watching it.  She loved to brag to anyone who would listen about her granddaughter, her accomplishments, and how proud she was. They shared an unbreakable bond and sense of humor.  Her grandsons Braden and Brodie also had a huge piece of her heart. Going to their award ceremonies at school was one of her favorite things. In her eyes, they were the two most handsome boys she has ever known.  As a tribute to her grandkids, she had a tattoo of their names placed on her arm.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Ricky and Doug Malek, her grandparents Russell Plaster and Lillian Parker Plaster, her first husband Roy Hickman and her mother in law Bessie Hickman.

She is survived by her beloved furry companion/”son” Asher Hickman Willeford; daughters Deana and Kendra Hickman; brother Eric Malek; granddaughter Alexis Hickman; grandsons Braden and Brodie Hickman; nephew in law Glenn Schimcek; neighbor Jen Wagoner and her son our mom affectionately referred to as “Door Dash Dane”; long-time friend Judy Gibson and many other lake friends in Somerville that she considered family.

Her wings were ready, but our hearts were not, and we will miss and love her dearly for the rest of our lives.  Fly high mom until we meet again.

Interment and a celebration of her life will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery in Somerville, Texas at the family plot in Section C-4.  The Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 17, 2022 @ 10:00 a.m. @ the Gravesite @Oaklawn Cemetery in Somerville, Texas.