Mary Gay Hickman

Mary Gabriella "Mary Gay" Hickman, aged 94, peacefully passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Kingston Residence of Hickory. Born in Caldwell County on February 11, 1931, Mary Gay was the cherished daughter of the late John Riggs and Charlotte Triplett Riggs.

Throughout her life, Mary Gay was a beacon of love, kindness, and humor, always showing appreciation to those around her. Her multifaceted roles as a mother, step-mother, nurse, loving wife, and a general force to be reckoned with left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Mary Gay dedicated her professional life to healthcare, having worked as a licensed practical nurse at Dula Hospital and Blackwelder Hospital. Her career flourished as she served alongside distinguished medical practitioners such as Dr. McNairy, Dr. Forbes, and Dr. Troutman, and later managed the office of her husband, Dr. Harry Hickman, where she also worked as a nurse.

Mary's personal joys included caring for her family, delving into the worlds of literature, and painting. However, her true life's mission was in caring for others, a role she embraced with passion and dedication.

In addition to her parents and beloved husband, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Julian Alexander Hickman; her brothers, Z.O., Ned, John, Bill, and Bass Riggs; and her sisters, Gwen Frye, Sabra Melton, and Peggy Wilson.

Mary Gay leaves behind a loving legacy through her children: Jackie Sloop, Stuart Hickman and his wife Rita, Maria Moore and her husband Danny; her step-children: Beth Hage, Claudia Greene and her husband John, Melinda Massi and her husband Joseph; and her grandchildren: Tom Sloop and his wife Brittany, Knox Sloop, Stuart Nathaniel Hickman and his wife Jennifer, Adam Hickman and his wife Kaitlyn, Benjamin Hickman and his wife Amanda, Ian Moore, Deborah Hage, Cathrine Hage McDaniel, Jeremy Greene, Joshua Greene and his wife Rashell, Jonathan Greene and his wife Carol, Alex Massi and his wife Emily. She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren and countless nieces, nephews, and other family members who will continue to cherish her memory.

A graveside service celebrating Mary Gay's remarkable life will be held at Blue Ridge Memorial Park on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Norm Sherwood officiating. Following the graveside service, family and friends are invited to gather in the Chapel of Evans Funeral Service at 12:00 PM to offer their condolences and share their fondest memories.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Evans Funeral Service & Crematory. Mary's spirit of compassion and care will forever be felt by those she loved and those who had the privilege of knowing her. The family would like to thank the staff of Kingston Residence of Hickory and Carolina Caring for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Carolina Caring, or the Children’s Charity of your choice.