Mary Maude Sparks Hickman was born in 1915 to Jennie and Ernest Sparks in Llano, Texas on the first day of summer. Her early days were spent in Waco and then in Denton, Texas, where she graduated from high school. She attended The University of Texas in Austin and then the Draughon Business School in Fort Worth where she learned the secretarial skills leading to her employment in Midland with Humble Oil and Refining Company in 1936. There she met Ralph Hickman, a young scout for Humble, and they were married for one month shy of 50 years before his death in 1989.Both of MM’s (as she was affectionately called by many) great grandfathers were Methodist ministers who spread the Lord’s word when Texas was still struggling with the idea of statehood. Finding her way to Midland through her aunt Nena Daniel (one of the original organizers of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church), she and Nena attended early makeshift church services in the old Scharbauer Hotel. They must have had an “in” at that location since Nena’s husband, Ira Daniel, was the first permanent pharmacist in town and his pharmacy was located in the hotel. Touched by Biblical influences from the start, Mary Maude remained a steadfast Episcopalian throughout her life.With Ralph, MM saw much of the world and all of the states except Alaska and Hawaii. A life-long learner, her curiosity led her to study such things as creative writing and lip reading. Her son still asked her for spelling assistance less than a month before her death. She was a member of the Midland Historical Society, Friends of the Library, Permian Basin Petroleum Pioneers, Progressive Study Club, En Amie, and outreach projects of her church. Mary Maude had 2 brothers, Ernest and Howard, neither of whom had children. Other than her brothers, MM had one son, Jack, and a granddaughter, Rachel Hickman. Family, the abundant humming birds, flowers, and friends engaged her entire life with the energy that propelled her to reach 100 years…never an invalid, always with humor and grace. It was the love for Rachel that created her “I’m going to make it!” attitude that kept her afloat.She volunteered for many different causes but is really thought of as an instigator. Among those things she either started or spurred into existence include: The Tape Lending Library (West Texas Recording Library), Trinity Towers (Midland’s early assisted living establishment for the elderly), Hospice of Midland, Meals on Wheels, and in 1962, The Midlander Magazine was started with her 2 dear friends, Maxine McCullough and Geneva Cox. This magazine has morphed into various forms and names throughout the years but its genesis was in MM’s dining room.Mary Maude particularly loved her little house and its environment. But above all she loved her friends…they were the elixir of her soul. Her humor and ability to listen and wisely advise or remain quiet were trademarks of a life well lived, and many of us benefitted simply from being around her. Midland has its heroes. MM was a quiet spark who eschewed the hero’s recognition but elevated the spirits of others to a hero’s status. Her fire is gone but the sparks linger.Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at 6:00 PM at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, 1412 W Illinois Ave, Midland, TX, 79701.,
