Mary Carol Whatton Hickman

1944 - 2025

Mary Carol Whatton Hickman

Aug 3, 1944 - Dec 13, 2025

Mary Carol Whatton Hickman passed away peacefully at her home in College Station on December 13, 2025. She was born August 3, 1944 to Richard and Ruby Whatton in Little Rock, Ark. Mary spent her childhood with her beloved brother, Charlie, moving several times across the country as part of her father's military career. Graceful from a young age, Mary was a practiced ballerina, even performing in the chorus with the Dallas Civic Ballet.

On Friday, May 5, 1961, Mary met the love of her life, Royce, on a blind date in San Antonio, Texas. Royce still remarks on how beautiful she was when he first saw her, remembering what she was wearing down to her shoes. That blind date sparked second and third dates on Saturday and Sunday, and on June 3,1962 they were married, officially becoming "Royce and Mary" as friends and family have known them for the last 63 years.

On the night they were married, Royce and Mary set off for the desert of California where Royce worked on a highway construction crew during the summers off from Texas A&M. They welcomed their daughter, Carol, when Royce was in school and their son, Trey, while he served his commission in the Army. Mary was a gentle soul who loved her children fiercely. It seemed the only way to get on her bad side was to be mean to one of them. She was incredibly proud of everything they did, never missing an event they were involved in even when they were well into adulthood.

Mary was the very best Mimi to her six grandchildren and their spouses and her great grandchildren. When the grandchildren were growing up, Mimi was always there to drive them around or have them spend the night, constantly teaching important lessons like putting butter in every single square of your waffles. Her grandchildren continued to visit and spend time with her throughout her prolonged illness, and Mimi always lit up when one of them came by to see her.

A gifted listener, Mary was a friend to all. At the many social events she attended with Royce, you could be sure that no one would feel left out because she quietly reached out to anyone who seemed to feel uncomfortable or out of place. Mary taught her children and grandchildren that everyone has a story, and she shone the light of Jesus to every person she met regardless of their circumstances. She was a treasured friend to many who already miss her kind presence.

Mary did not seek the spotlight, but she was frequently recognized for her servant's heart. She received the Outstanding Service Award from the Texas Department of Human Services, was Volunteer of the Year for Kingwood United Methodist Church in 1989, received the Outstanding Service Awards for the church in 1993 and 1996, was named a Woman of Distinction in 2000, and served as a Fish Camp namesake along with Royce. She was a member of the advisory board for the Texas A&M Akjej Institute of Biosciences and Technology and served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the Friends of the Sterling C. Evans Library. Mary also served on the advisory board of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service Development Council.

The love story of Royce and Mary will always be one for the ages, from a blind date to 63 and a half years of marriage. Royce and Mary served together throughout their marriage, with Mary constantly by his side during his time with the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce. Royce appreciated her wisdom and care, knowing Mary loved him enough to tell him when he needed to find balance between work and family. During her final years battling Parkinson's, Royce lovingly became her primary caregiver. Royce and Mary were a strong example of a Godly, committed marriage until her death, and she will continue to be his angel even now that she has joined her Savior in heaven.

Mary was survived by her husband, Royce; her children, Carol Barrett Ashfield and husband Mike, and Trey Hickman and wife Stormy; her grandchildren, Jackie McMillan and Jeremy, Nathan Barrett and Kelly, Jodi Barrett, Tiffany Hart and Josh, Tucker Hickman, Keaton Hickman; great-grandchildren Ellie, Callen, Camdyn, Emma, James, and Margaret; brother, Dr. Charles Whatton; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Garland and Janet Hickman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Rita Lousie; sister-in-law, Jennifer Whatton; son-in-law, James Barrett; and mother and father-in-law, Jack and Elizabeth Hickman.

The family will have a private burial in College Station with a Celebration of Life to follow on January 3, 2026 at 2 p.m. at Christ Church in College Station.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mary Hickman Junior Leadership Brazos Scholarship Fund through the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley at cfbv.org.

Please visit www.hillierfuneralhome.com to share deepest condolences and expressions of gratitude for Mary and a life well lived.

Hillier Funeral Home of College Station

4080 State Hwy 6, College Station, TX 77845