Gayla B. (Jeter) Hickman

Gayla B. Hickman (nee Jeter) of Dallas, Texas passed away peacefully on March 22, 2024.  She was born in Lamesa, Texas on October 9, 1948 to the late Elmo and Bobbye (nee Carlton) Jeter. Raised in Lubbock, Gayla attended Monterey High School and went on to attend Texas Tech University where she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She met John in the fall of her Freshman year in 1967.   Some might say it was love at first sight.  They were married on September 7, 1968 in Lubbock, Texas. In May of 1969 they moved to Dallas where she graduated University of North Texas with a degree in Elementary Education and began their life together. She taught elementary school for 4 years until she became a stay at home mom when Stefani was born.

Affectionately known as Gigi by her grandkids. She was famous for her “homemade” chocolate chip cookies, tea parties, make-up tutorials, endless summer pool days, baking cobblers, a fridge full of Dr. Pepper, her Ritz pie,  Thanksgiving dressing and her hours long FaceTime calls with her out-of-state grandkids

Gayla was the loving wife to John Hickman to whom she was married to for 55 years. A wonderful mother to two daughters - Stefani Elizabeth Hood (Raymond Hood) and Christy Leigh LoPiccolo (Christopher LoPiccolo). A loving grandmother to Raymond Robert (Tripp), Reid Louis, and John Vaillant (Jack) Hood; Claire Elizabeth and Charlotte Matti (Lottie) LoPiccolo. Dear sister to Gary Jeter (Gertie), Stacey Elliott (the late Rick) and David Jeter (Michelle). Aunt to Greg Jeter, Cheri Pittman (Greg), Lee Elliott, Carly Elliott, Tonya LaBaume (Clayton), and Ericka Jeter. 

Gayla was a loyal friend to so many. Many of whom she had known for the majority of her life. Life long high school and college friends, the original neighborhood crew that still gets together, her friends from church, Bible study, investment club, to her days as a secretary and substitute teacher at JJ Pearce. She loved working with the kids and the kids loved her!

Gayla was a devout Christian and loved being a parishioner of St. Andrews Methodist Church. 

Micah 6:8 "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God”

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