Obituary of Mae B. (Allen) Oden-Hickman

In Loving Memory of Mae Bell Hickman

Mae Bell Hickman peacefully entered eternal rest on June 29, 2026 at the age of 92.

The measure of a life is found in the lives it touches, and Mae Bell Hickman touched countless lives through her love, wisdom, generosity, and unwavering belief in others.

Born in Savannah Georgia, on February 16, 1934, Mae accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age.  She grew into a woman whose influence would be felt far beyond the places she called home. After earning her Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from Florida A&M University and later a Master of Education degree from Brockport State University, Mae devoted her life to education. She began her exceptional career teaching in the Rochester, NY Public School System and later continued her life's work in Dallas, Texas.  She continued as 'that teacher', and later was an outstanding administrator, principal, mentor, and leader. Mae believed every child deserves someone who expected greatness from them, and every educator deserved strategies and encouragement to become their very best. Through her wisdom, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence, she shaped generations of students and mentored countless educators whose lives were forever positively changed because she believed in them.

Mae possessed a rare combination of elegance and strength. She had impeccable taste, loved beautiful clothes, and enjoyed shopping and traveling.  She also found immense joy in giving. Whether through a thoughtful gift, a home-cooked meal, or a quiet act of kindness, Mae had a remarkable way of honoring the people she loved. Much of her generosity happened without fanfare, often helping others without seeking recognition, believing that true kindness was something you simply did, not something you talked about. Her generosity quietly changed lives in ways that many may never fully know. She taught humility, respect, and the importance of serving others without expecting anything in return.

She was also a woman ahead of her time. Fearless, spirited, and fiercely independent, Mae was never afraid to speak her mind or stand up for what she believed was right. She stood firmly against unfair practices or policies negatively impacting her co-workers or students, but did so offering alternate solutions.  She championed herself and others with quiet confidence and determination, leaving a lasting example of strength for her children, grandchildren, and all who knew her. Her courage was matched only by her kindness, and together they became the hallmarks of a life beautifully lived.

Mae's legacy lives on not only in the schools she led, but in the family she nurtured, the people she lifted up, and the values she passed from one generation to the next. Her life reminds us that true greatness is found in lifting others, giving generously, and loving wholeheartedly. Though she will be deeply missed, her wisdom, laughter, and enduring love will continue to guide all who were blessed to know her.

Mae was preceded in death by her parents; Edward and Luvenia Allen; her loving siblings; Edward Allen, Paul Allen, Ernest Allen, Dorothy Vickers, Rosa Lee Bridges, Betty Hatten; her first husband, LTC (R)Foster Oden; and her beloved husband, Reverend Holsey Hickman.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Gale Brown; Keith Oden; Stanley Oden (Gloria); Gregory Oden (Bobbie); and Kokayi Hickman. She was a proud and devoted sister to her siblings.  Grandma/Mama Mae was also a proud grandmother to Nicole Thigpen, Natalie Watson (Rashad), Khalid Oden, Gregory Bryan Oden, Kayla Oden, and Keara Oden, and a loving great-grandmother to RoyThigpen lll (Kari), Chanel Thigpen, Houston Oden, and Chastain Watson....and great-great grandmother to Deandre Thigpen, Kendrick Thigpen, Montel Thigpen and Brooklyn Thigpen.  She will also be lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, former students, colleagues, and a host of dear friends.

A special thank you for all of her caregivers, doctors, therapist and nurses, who have joyously aided our loving mother with their kindness and expertise

Donations can be made, in memory of Mae Bell Hickman, to Alzheimer’s Disease Research at donate.bright focus.org. 

“Reverend & Mrs. Hickman were big proponents of organizations that moved the needle in the community.  Ones which you could see the impact immediately.  For this reason we as a family would like support the “SENIOR SOURCE” for our charity of choice.  

The Senior Source’s simple mission in the community is to improve the lives of older adults in greater Dallas.  

theseniorsource.org/donate (https://theseniorsource.org/donate/)”

For Live Streaming of the Funeral Services click on link:  https://youtube.com/live/YVxO3uSp_Co?feature=share