Dorothy Hickman

On the morning of February 11, 2026, Dorothy Hickman of New Llano, Louisiana, passed away at the age of 95 years, 3 months, and 5 days. She was born in Waco, Texas, on November 6, 1930, to Elmer and Beulah Gribble.

Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. As a military wife, she traveled the world alongside her husband and children. The Army brought the family to Fort Polk in 1968, and in 1973 they made Vernon Parish their permanent home. Over the years, Dorothy worked at several local shops, including Mary Lou’s Dress Shop, the PX, Nichols, Kmart, and later retired from Walmart, where she served as a department manager.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She treasured time spent with them, especially during frequent trips to Texas. For those who lived nearby, she was a daily presence and a guiding force, teaching them strength, independence, and how to love fiercely. She often reminded her family to “pay your bills first and everything else will come,” and she never hesitated to offer firm guidance when needed. For loved ones farther away, she kept in touch, sharing stories and pictures to keep everyone connected.

Dorothy loved cooking for her family, making Thanksgiving a cherished tradition filled with laughter, food, and memories that lasted long after the weekend ended. She was an exceptional seamstress who lovingly made and altered clothing, created baby blankets and dolls that will be treasured for generations, and passed her sewing skills on to others in the family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bobbie K. Hickman; two sons, Steve Ihlenfeldt and Bobby Hickman; one daughter, Yvonne Gordon; four sisters, Billie Morris, Linda Bates, Darlene Gribble, and Kay Gribble; one brother, Clarence Gribble; and two grandsons, Danny Ihlenfeldt and Chris Bainer.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Darrell (Jacki) Ihlenfeldt of Leesville, Louisiana; two sisters, Carolyn Beene and Pam Lambert; one brother-in-law, Batsell Bates; 13 grandchildren, Stephen (Tammy) Ihlenfeldt, Melissa (Chad) Koonce, Wendy Young, Mindy Ihlenfeldt, Tom Music, Tracey Ihlenfeldt, Beverly (Aaron) Woods, Lindsey Ihlenfeldt, Gaylen Ihlenfeldt, Becky Alldredge, Kayla Betts, Chrissy (Dusty) Hickman, and Bobby Hickman II; 39 great-grandchildren; 28 great-great-grandchildren, with two on the way; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.

A visitation with family and friends will be held at Jeane's Funeral Home, 100 East Union Street, Leesville, Louisiana, on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The family will then travel to Texas, where a celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at Bellmead Funeral Home, 809 La Clede Street, Waco, Texas, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with visitation from 12:00 p.m until the time of service. The service will begin at 1:00 p.m., with burial to follow at White Rock Cemetery in Ross, Texas, with Jeff Stinson officiating. Batsell Bates II, Eric Bates, Bradley Ihlenfeldt Hudson, Stephen Ihlenfeldt, Taylor Ihlenfeldt, and Logan Winn will serve as pallbearers. Christian Cable, Ghrayson Ihlenfeldt, Nathan Lambert and Ryan Lambert will serve as honorary pallbearers.