Nancy Elizabeth Hicks Walker
November 29, 1946 – September 12, 2026

Nancy Elizabeth Hicks Walker, 79, passed away on September 12, 2026. She was born on November 29, 1946, in Lubbock, Texas, and spent her childhood between Canyon, Texas, and a family ranch near Walsenburg, Colorado, where she grew up with a love of wide-open spaces and a deep appreciation for the people around her.

Nancy graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Early Childhood Development, which led her to a career in teaching. After a brief time in California, she moved to New York City, where she worked as an Editor for American Girl Magazine. In the mid-1980s she made Houston her home and became the first Director of Trees of Hope, a charity that supports the Star of Hope. She went on to spend 18 years at MD Anderson Cancer Center managing the Children's Art Project, bringing creativity and comfort to young patients and their families.

Throughout her life, Nancy was generous with her time and devoted to helping others. St. Luke's United Methodist Church was a very special place for Nancy. She served communion and was an active participant and leader in her Sunday School class, where she found lasting friendships and a true church family.

Nancy loved reading, writing, and gardening. She delighted in anything involving art, music, and dance. Those who knew Nancy will remember her as fiercely kind, fun, loving, and always a snappy dresser.

Most importantly, she was a wonderful mother to her son, Jud. She was present for every milestone in his life and always had an encouraging word or wise advice to share. She was also a doting grandmother who treasured her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lonnis Orville Hicks and Janelle Ivey Hicks, and her sister, Melissa Hicks Pittman.
She is survived by her son, Jud Walker, and his wife, Casie; her grandchildren, London, Fallyn, along with recent additions Harrison, Oliver, Piper, and Harper; her brother, Stan Hicks, and his wife, Brenda; and her sister, Amanda Evans.

A celebration of Nancy's life will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke's United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, she requested memorial donations to Star of Hope or MD Anderson Cancer Center's Children's Art Project.