Honoring the Life and Grace of Mary Hickman

The heart of the Brazos Valley is heavy today as we process the quiet, somber news of the passing of Mary Hickman. A woman of extraordinary grace and the devoted wife of our community leader, Royce Hickman, Mary left us this past weekend, passing away peacefully in the sanctuary of her home. To the public, she was the steady, elegant presence at countless Chamber events; to her family, she was the North Star. Her departure has left an “unfillable void” in Bryan-College Station, reminding us all that behind every great community effort is often a person of quiet strength who provides the foundation for it all. Today, we don’t just mourn a loss; we honor the beautiful soul who helped make our community feel like a family.

A Partnership of Purpose and a Lifetime of Devotion

For those who have lived in the Twin Cities for any length of time, the names Royce and Mary Hickman are synonymous with service and dedication. Mary’s life was a masterclass in supportive leadership. Throughout Royce’s years as the Chamber President, Mary was his constant confidante and his greatest advocate. Together, they navigated the growth of our region with a shared commitment to excellence. But beyond the professional accolades, it was Mary’s personal “vibrant spirit” and her genuine interest in others that left a lasting mark. She possessed the rare ability to make every person she spoke with feel like the most important person in the room. This shattering loss is felt not just by the business community, but by the generations of neighbors who were touched by her radical kindness and her unwavering smile.

Peaceful Departure from a Home Filled with Love

There is a bittersweet comfort in knowing that Mary’s final moments were spent at home—the place where she built a lifetime of memories and raised a family rooted in values. Her peaceful passing is a reflection of the life she lived: one of tranquility, dignity, and deep-seated faith. For Royce and the entire Hickman family, the “unimaginable heartbreak” of this weekend is softened only by the overwhelming outpouring of love from the community they have served for so long. As the Chamber of Commerce and local leaders pause to reflect on her impact, we are reminded that the true legacy of a life is found in the “warmth and guidance” we leave behind. Mary’s legacy is everywhere in Bryan-College Station—in the friendships she fostered, the family she cherished, and the grace she modeled for us all.

Resting in Peace: A Final Salute to a Gracious Matriarch

We extend our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to Royce Hickman and the entire family during this time of profound grief. To lose a partner of so many years is a journey through a dark valley, but we hope the collective embrace of the Brazos Valley provides a flicker of light. May Mary Hickman find eternal rest and tranquility, and may her family find the peace that surpasses all understanding. Rest in peace, Mary. Your grace will never be forgotten by the community that loved you.