Wilma Gail Hickey, age 78, a resident of Pasadena for more than 60 years, and previously of Oklahoma, passed on August 11, 2018 after suffering from cancer for four years.

She was born on March 2, 1940, in Walters, Oklahoma, to the late Liddie Mae and John Owens. After high school, she studied nursing and went to work as a CNA performing care for the elderly. She also had a “Degree in Life”, and was a self taught poet and creative writer, as well as a wife, mother, and homemaker. As a member of Magothy United Lutheran Church, she volunteered her time as a Sunday school teacher for 10 years. Besides her creative writing and poetry, she enjoyed card games, crocheting, crafts, spending time with and educating her grandchildren, and caring for every member of her family.

Along with her parents, Gail is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 41 years: Army featherweight boxer Walter C. Hickey; her sister Jo Reid; and three brothers: her twin brother Dale Owens, and Art and Bill Owens.

She is survived by her two devoted sons: Walter C. Hickey, Jr., of Pasadena, and Brian S. Hickey, of Florida; her two loving daughters: Cheryl A. Smith, of Florida, and Susie Blades, of Pasadena; nine grandchildren: Deborah K. Martin and Samantha Smith, of Pasadena, Shannon M. Blades, of Easton, Tracey A. Blades and Bradly S. Blades, of Queen Anne’s, Jacob, Eric, and Joshua Hickey, of Florida, and Shavon Slade, of South Carolina; ten great grandchildren: Jayden, Sunny, and Brian Mullinix, Olivia Heike, Danika Hager, Patrick Bush, Jr., Emilee Blades, Sierra, Mackensi, and Nathan Thomas; two brothers: Edward Owens, of Texas, and Ricky Owens, of Oklahoma; and two sisters: Pat Phelps and Jerretta Parrish, also of Oklahoma.

Graveside funeral services for Gail will commence at 2:30 PM on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Brooklyn Park. Those who wish may donate to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy, Pasadena, 21122, and feel free to leave your condolences below as well.