Mary Lee Huckaba

Mary Lee Huckaba, 87, known to most as Mimi, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 surrounded by her family.  The family will hosts visitation from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland Texas.  Services for this fiery, competitive lady who touched countless lives, will be Monday, April 3, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home Chapel, with interment following at Resthaven Memorial Park.  Livestreaming of the service will be available at www.npwelch.com.

Mary was born on August 30, 1935 in Wichita Falls, Texas on a day hot enough for people to fry eggs on the sidewalk. The youngest child of her parents Golia and Artie Johnson, she was raised in Frederick, Oklahoma and had an active childhood, helping her Dad deliver hay and keeping up with her older brothers.  Mary was a competitor and athlete, a trait that would show up repeatedly in her life.  She was a Tillman County All-Star in Girls Basketball and an accomplished tennis player.  Mary was voted “Outstanding Girl” by her graduating class of 1953.

After graduation, she enrolled at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK in a 40-hr business course.  Mary was a cheerleader and voted “Outstanding Campus Beauty”.  Known as the best dancer at SWOSU, it was there she met and married the love of her life, Rene (Coach) Huckaba and they were married on May 26, 1956.  Her devotion to Rene and his athletic teams was legendary – over his 40-year career in Sayre, Ok and Yukon, Ok, he was Coach and Athletic Director for 400 consecutive games and she attended 398.  Her unfiltered comments could be heard throughout the stands and on the sidelines, and led to many interesting stories; her support and love for the kids Rene coached was never ending.

After moving to Yukon, OK in 1962, she became City Clerk and City Treasurer for the City of Yukon.  She was so organized and knowledgeable that several times through her 36-year career, she was also Acting City Manager.  Upon her retirement, she had the honor of Yukon City Hall being renamed the “Mary Lee Huckaba Municipal Building”.

In 1999, she started her new adventure when Rene and she moved to Midland, TX to help raise four grandchildren.  It was in Midland that she became Mimi to all, and her love and support of her grandchildren was manifest every day – feeding them every Sunday night with huge meals, supporting them and encouraging them.  She attended every one of their games and ceremonies, and woe to anyone that was seen to harm one of her grandchildren!  Many referees and opposing coaches were corrected by Mimi, and her voice was always heard.  On any Saint, Eagle, Chief, Giant or Dawg team coached by Rene and her son, she adopted every player and parent and was the most supportive voice in the stands.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Rene Huckaba; her son Kyle Huckaba and wife Terri of Midland, TX; her grandchildren – Joseph Roberson and wife Alyssa of Lubbock, TX; Joshua Roberson and his wife Jenn Bloom of McKinney, TX; Quade Huckaba of Midland, TX; and Talon Huckaba of Midland, TX, plus Fernie Lopez and his wife Natalie of Odessa, TX; also, four great grandchildren that she adored and loved with the totality that only Mimi could deliver  – Reese, Kai, Kael, and Kash.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Golia and Artie Johnson; her oldest brother Dr. Roger Gene Johnson, and her middle brother, Kenneth Johnson.

Pallbearers are Joseph Roberson, Joshua Roberson, Quade Huckaba, Talon Huckaba and Fernie Lopez

The family would also like to express their appreciation to the nurses and doctors of Midland Memorial and expressly thank Visiting Angel Heidi for her love and care of Mary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.

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