MARY CAROLYN HENNING NICKELL
1938-2016
Mary Carolyn Henning Nickell of West University Place, Texas left in the arms of Jesus to her glory the 10th of August 2016 at the age of 77. She was a tireless advocate for her children, grandchildren, family, friends and the people she loved. Carolyn lived the American dream; she was a self-reliant person who achieved professional success while never compromising her devotion to her family. She was the matriarch and a role model to her children and grandchildren by always exhibiting the virtues of faithfulness, commitment, honesty, charity and the love of her savior Jesus Christ. She will be dearly missed by all that loved her and those whom she touched in her life.
She was born Mary Carolyn Henning in Oklahoma City, OK to Wesley and Edna Henning. Following marriage, while raising her four children she became active in civic, community and charitable organizations. In 1968, as President of the Philia Federated Junior Women’s Club of San Angelo, Texas she was instrumental in the founding of the Concho Valley Home for Girls, which continues to assist thousands of young girls from troubled homes by providing a place to grow and fulfill their life’s dreams. During her effort to establish the girls’ home she stated, “We are responsible as mothers, homemakers and Junior Clubwomen to see that our Youth will be clothed, fed and educated.”
Following a move to Midland, Texas in the early 1970’s she returned to college, received her real estate license and began her long career in real estate. During her career, she served as the President of the Midland Board of Realtors, opened the first REMAX office in West Texas, taught real estate courses at Midland College and served in numerous civic and charitable organizations. In the mid-1990’s she relocated to Houston to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Since that time she has worked as a real estate broker and served in various volunteer roles, including the Bluebird Circle, Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, breast cancer support organizations and West University Baptist Church where she was an active member.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her father Arnold Wesley Henning, mother Edna Louise Henning, sister Annette Hiner and sister-inlaw Barbara Henning. She is survived by her children: son Ronald Wayne Nickell and wife Gay of Granbury, TX, daughter Cherie Nickell Lindley and husband John of Houston, TX, son Jerry Don Nickell, Sr. and wife Laurie of Aubrey, TX, son Wesley Michael Nickell of Midland, TX, and grandchildren: Ronald W. Nickell Jr (Blandy), Shandon Nickell, Justin Lindley (Ashley), Joseph Lindley, Jerry D. Nickell Jr. (Amanda), Brandon J. Nickell, Channing J. Nickell (Emilia), Dustin J. Nickell, Audrey T. Nickell, Isabelle M. Nickell, Michael Nickell, Zachary Nickell, and 15 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Arnold Wesley Henning Jr. of Claremore, OK, nephew Michael Henning (Tammie), nephew Justin Henning, nephew Bobby Henning (Marnie) and niece Joy Lynn Wright (Tim).
Her grandsons Justin Lindley, Joseph Lindley, Jerry Nickell Jr., Brandon Nickell, Channing Nickell and Dustin Nickell will serve as Pallbearers.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Sunday, the 14th of August, at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
The funeral service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 15th of August, West University Baptist Church, 6218 Auden Street in Houston
The family will gather for a private interment at Glenwood Cemetery.
The family request that donations be given in lieu of flowers to the Concho Valley Home for Girls, P.O. 3772, San Angelo, Texas 76902.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
2 Timothy 4:7, 4:8