Katherine Irene Bickley

Katherine Irene Bickley, 66, our beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and Neenie went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on May 3, 2017, surrounded by her family at home. She was a woman of deep and unwavering faith, believing in the power and strength of Jesus Christ’s love and the peace and joy that would await her after her passing.

She was born on November 2, 1950 in Beaumont, Texas to William Leo and Wanda Irene Childress. She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Norman Bickley, her daughters Ginny Bowles and Betsy Fuller, and her precious granddaughters Katherine Sofia Baxter and Emma Claire Bowles. She is also survived by her mother Wanda Irene Childress, brother William L. Childress, Jr., sister Carol Sue Heard, and a close family of nieces, nephews, in-laws, loved ones and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, William Leo Childress.

After graduating from Alvin High School, she attended Sam Houston State University and graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science, followed by a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood from University of Houston Clear Lake and a Master’s Degree in Reading from University of Alabama Birmingham.

While at SHSU, Kathy was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and a Golden Heart of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. It was there that she met her future husband Norman. After six weeks, they were engaged, and Norman married his “Sunshine” seven months later on July 10, 1971. What followed was forty-five years of adventures together, devoted to each other and to their daughters. Both girls were blessed to be raised by a mother who loved them unconditionally and prayed over them without ceasing. Her wisdom and faith have shaped them as women and as mothers of their own daughters.

A retired teacher of 29 years, her heart was for kids. She loved and believed in every single student that she taught and truly left a legacy of learners behind. Kathy always said that her proudest career accomplishment was inspiring children to love to read. Her passion for teaching also inspired both of her daughters to become educators, as well.

Kathy liked to say that she lived her life in chapters, which included hobbies such as china painting, cross-stitching, raising dogs, jogging, antiquing, and crocheting. Those that knew her best will always think of her whenever they see a purple African violet.

Friends are invited to attend the memorial Celebration service at three o’clock in the afternoon on May 21, 2017 at Chapel in the Woods, Woodlands Church Campus, One Fellowship Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77384. Pastor Alan Splawn will officiate. Prior to the Celebration, the family will have gathered for a private inurnment and service at Forest Park The Woodlands.

In honor of her memory as an educator, donations may be made to the Conroe ISD Education Foundation, Inc., P. O. Box 1494, Conroe, Texas 77305, or online at

www. conroeisdeducationfoundation. org.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened…and you will find rest for your souls.”

~Matthew 11:28-29