Hazel Hickey's Obituary
Hazel Hickey, a force in Longview’s banking, cultural and not-for-profit communities, died December 2, 2013 at Good Shepherd Hospital, after a 10-year battle with leukemia. Mrs. Hickey was 84 years old.
A celebration of Hazel’s life will be held at the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church at 10 am, Thursday, December 5, 2013. Hazel loved her churches and her two pastors – Dr. Kenneth Hall, former pastor of First Baptist Longview and Dr. Rick Webb of Providence Baptist Church, also of Longview. Drs. Hall and Webb will officiate at her service. Music will be led by her dear friends, Harlan and Mary Hall. Interment will follow at a family graveside at Belmont Cemetery under direction of Rader Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m.
Throughout everything that life threw at her, and behind all her accomplishments lays the faith tradition taught to her by her beloved “Papa”, Lucien Henry Sebren. Her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ sustained her throughout her life.
Hazel began her career at the First National Bank in Shreveport where she worked for 12 years. In 1967, she moved to Longview and joined Longview Bank & Trust, the forerunner of Texas Bank & Trust.
“I had the pleasure of working with her for almost 40 years,” said Rogers Pope Sr., chairman and CEO of the bank. “When I joined the bank in 1969, Hazel was the number two teller. I watched with admiration and pride as she advanced through various positions in the bank, finally resulting in becoming Executive Vice President and Director of Marketing.“
“Hazel set a standard of excellence, which in my opinion, was unmatched in the industry. She combined intelligence, imagination, planning, and expert people skills to keep the image of Texas Bank and Trust without peer in our market area.” She retired after 41 years of service as the highest-ranking female officer of the bank.
Rogers Pope Jr. vice chairman and chief operating officer of TB&T, said,” Hazel was, to me, the epitome of dignity. Yes, she was a beautiful and charming lady, with a great sense of humor, but the way she carried herself and conducted herself with class and integrity is what most stands out to me.”
Hazel’s creativity and business acumen led to the organization of the Texas Bank and Trust Omni Club, a precious project of hers. She not only traveled the world as a diligent guide for TBT groups, but she also built the services and prestige of Texas Bank and Trust within the community. Most importantly, she built lasting friendships.
Bob Dyer, a friend and coworker for many years summed it up best when he said she was “A lady of grace and kindness with a people-first attitude and a foot washer spirit.”
Hazel received numerous community service awards, among them the Longview Partnership’s highest honor – “Chairman’s Award,” for her involvement in altruistic, charitable and worthy causes. She also served as Past President of the Longview Symphony, receiving the Symphony Hall of Fame award in 2001. In 2007, the Texas Bankers Association honored Hazel with their 50-year Banker Award. LeTourneau University honored her love and hard work for the University with the 1999 “Henry Gossett Community Partnership Award”, the University's highest recognition given to a community leader. She was a former “First Lady of Longview” and a past President of and recipient of Zonta’s “Woman of the Year -1994”. She was also a previous recipient of Longview Regional Hospital’s Stars Over Longview.
"Hazel Hickey was 'Ms. Longview' to countless individuals and organizations within our community. If it was a worthy cause or a needy individual, Hazel was at the forefront of providing leadership or quiet support”, said former LeTourneau President Alvin “Bud” Austin. “She was a person of impeccable character, a person of deep faith, a loving and loyal supporter to her many friends and family. Longview will miss her. LeTourneau University will miss her. I will miss her," Austin concluded.
Latricia Nichols, one of Hazel’s many personal and professional friends, thought of Hazel as a “wise and trusted counselor.” “Hazel Hickey was my mentor and dear friend for many years. She taught me a great deal about propriety and integrity, about loyalty and the value of friendships and about corporate citizenship. She was a very special lady, regal in her demeanor, full of wisdom and compassion, and guided always by her strong faith and her fervent desire to see our community become the best it could be. I am blessed to have had her in my life.” Nichols said.
Retta Van Auken, former publisher of the Longview News-Journal, said Hazel’s “Struggle as she fought leukemia was epic.” “Hazel was an original, from the top of her red head to the bottom of her delicate feet. She was strong, witty, loyal, loving and smart.”
Hazel was born on the family farm, in Sabine Parish, Belmont, LA. the youngest daughter of Lucien Henry Sebren and Nettie Gertrude Skinner Sebren. Hazel was always deeply proud of her family and life in Louisiana.
Hazel is survived by one sister, Violet Sebren Coley of Natchez Mississippi. Her sister-in-law, Wilma Sebren of Shreveport, La. Also surviving are her three sons, David Earl Webb of Melrose, Texas; Mike and wife Tracy Webb of Longview; and Dr. Rick and wife Blessed Webb of Longview. A special niece, Karen Oakerson, who was her caregiver during her final days, survives her along with five grandchildren. Her precious grandchildren will carry on her memory and faith – Daniel Webb of Keller; Nikki Webb Hervey of Keller; Holli and Nakia Wilson of Nacogdoches; Robin and Grady Truchelut also of Nacogdoches; and Laura Webb of Boston, Massachusetts. Hazel loved and treasured her 10 great grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joseph J. Hickey, a daughter, also named Hazel, and two sons, Mickey Webb and Kenneth Glenn Webb.
The family would like to thank Dr. Lewis Duncan, and staff of Texas Oncology Center and the staff of the Oncology Floor of Good Shepherd Medical Center who provided tender care for her throughout her courageous battle. Thank you also to her loving caregivers: Linda Levy, Cheynice Lanier and Sarah Brown
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial gifts may be made to the Media and Outreach Program at Providence Baptist Church, P. O. Box 5116, Longview, Texas 75608 or to LeTourneau University. To donate to LeTourneau University please go to www.letu.edu and click on the “Give to LU” tab. Please indicate that your gift is a memorial in the name of Hazel Hickey.
What’s your fondest memory of Hazel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Hazel?
Share a story where Hazel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Hazel you’ll never forget.
How did Hazel make you smile?