Carol LaJuan Hickey

HAWKINS — Carol LaJuan Corbin Hickey was born in Abbott, Texas on November 27, 1937; she died on June 19, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Maurice Corbin and Clara Faye Pendergrass Corbin. She is survived by her son, Wesley Dwayne Hickey and his wife Glenda, and Carol Ann Hickey-Lee, two granddaughters: Katelyn Hickey-Schaub and Lindsey Hickey, and three grandsons: Luke, Lance, and Bret Lee, and sister Valda Corbin Carlson.

LaJuan grew up in Abbott, Texas, and met her husband, Dwayne through a mutual friend. They went cruising around the square in Hillsboro, and before the first date was over, Dwayne liked to tell others that LaJuan was holding his hand. They had a lasting marriage of 62 years.

LaJuan graduated from Abbott High School and worked her way through Texas Christian University, receiving her R.N. degree. She worked as a Labor and Delivery Nurse at Harris Hospital in Fort Worth for many years before starting her own family, and upon going back to work after some years off, returned as School Nurse for Burleson ISD so she could have the same work schedule as her children’s school hours.

In 1976, LaJuan and family moved to Hawkins, where she served as school nurse until her retirement. In the meantime, she was instrumental in bringing fluoride to the public water, and she served as the resident medical expert for many in town. Many ailments passed through LaJuan before being seen by a doctor. She loved her life as a school nurse, being with children and amazing teachers, and making lifelong friends. She built a repertoire of many impressive stories to tell throughout her years in Hawkins.

She also enjoyed her retirement: planting flowers in the beds, growing tomatoes, blackberries, and piddling around in the yard. She could spend days snipping the new growth off of her Yaupon Holly shrubs one leaf at a time. She had a propensity for patience. She loved her church and played active roles as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, and choir member. Every time the doors were open, she was present and supporting in some capacity.

LaJuan maintained a positive attitude throughout her fall and broken hip. She was a model patient, and was recently heard to say, “We can’t live forever.” She was at peace.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Carol LaJuan Hickey may be made to Hospice of East Texas.

Memorial Service will be Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 4:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Hawkins.