Joan “Joanie” Frances Michel Hickman

Joan “Joanie” Frances Michel Hickman, 57, of Houston, TX passed away suddenly on Monday January 24, 2022 after complications related to cancer treatment.

Joanie was born on August 24, 1964 to Edward Michel and Joan Berresford Michel in Houston, TX. Joanie graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1982, where she met the love of her life Richard “Rick” Hickman. They got married and adopted their first love, a puppy named Kosar and settled down in Clear Lake. Over 34 years of being happily married, Joanie and Rick had two beautiful children, Nathan (30) and Kathryn “Katie” Hickman (27), whom she was extremely proud of and loved dearly.

For the past 39 years, Joanie has worked for Wyle/KBR at NASA where she was the ultimate problem-solver and never missed an opportunity to help someone. She was legendary for her ability to provide true friendship and a listening ear to all who came into her office. Joanie truly loved her job and all of her coworkers. 

In Joanie’s spare time she enjoyed watching football, being with her family, and having a cold beer. Joanie’s favorite football teams included the Cleveland Browns, Ohio State, and Notre Dame. Joanie and Rick also rescued 3 precious dogs throughout their life together.

Joanie was preceded in death by and has now joined her mother Joan Michel, father Edward Michel, sister Eileen Massmann, and brother Edward “Mikey” Michel, along with her dogs, Kosar, Redford, and Maddy. She is survived by her husband Rick Hickman, son Nathan, daughter Katie, and future son in-law Adam Wiggs, along with her precious dog Baker, and her grand-animals Toby, Layla, and Nathan Junior. She is also survived by her sister and brother in-law, Mary Ann and James Ford; best friend, Robyn Hogan; parents in-law, Bob and Charlene Hickman; brother in-law, Tim Massmann, sister in-law Kim Plemons and her husband, Tom; along with her brother in-law Bob Hickman and his wife, Pat. Joanie has many precious nieces and nephews including: Ashley, Sam, Zach, Josh, Matthew, Patrick, and John Charles.

A viewing is scheduled on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at Crowder Funeral Home, 111 East Medical Center Boulevard, Webster, Texas 77598, from 5-8pm. Funeral services will be held at Joanie’s home church, Saint Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 3131 El Dorado Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77059, on Wednesday, February 2nd at 10:30 am.

29 comments

  1. My deepest condolences. The passing of someone is always hard especially when it comes before we think it should. Prayers to the family.

    Kenny Tennison
  2. I miss you more than words can say but the heavens are a little brighter with you there.

    Robyn Hogan
  3. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I was her dearest friend and colleague when she came to work in Building 37 and stayed her friend though out our move to different buildings. She will be truly missed. May God bless.

    Sharon Jackson
  4. Katie,
    I am so sorry about your Mom. She was so proud of you sweet girl! I am thinking and praying for you and your family.
    Love you

    Fran Holcomb
  5. I am so sorry to hear about Joanie passing.. my prayers go.out to all of her family.

    Betty nikiel
  6. I am so sorry to hear about Joanie’s sudden death from chemotherapy treatments. I was one of Joanie’s neighborhood and school friends; there were four of us that ran around together for many years until I moved out of the neighborhood in ninth grade and we slowly drifted apart over the next decade. But her influence during those years helped guide me to be the person I am today. She was a true and loyal friend back then to me. I am sorry for your loss Rick, Nathan, and Katie. May she Rest In Peace.

    Corinne Tokerud
    • We were quite the foursome!

      Tracy Kachtick-Anders
  7. God called another angel up to heaven.
    Our thoughts and prayers to Rick, Katie, and Nathan and all the family.

    Dennis and Lei Hogan

    Dennis Hogan
  8. My deepest condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of working with Joanie for 30 years at KRUG/Wyle/KBR. Joanie was a sweet soul and she will be missed by many. Prayers to the Hickman family, may she rest in peace and may your memories forever be cherished.

    Denise Patterson
  9. I was blessed to work with Joanie the last 32 years. She was so kind, helpful and always there for everyone. She stopped whatever she was doing to help. She will be missed by so many.

    Thinking of Rick, Katie, Nathan and all her family and friends during this difficult time.

    “Friendship transcends death. Memories made will never be forgotten and created a lasting impression on those they left behind. Everyone became a better person for having such a wonderful friend.”

    Blythe Starkey
  10. Joanie was a great friend and wonderful co-worker. I will miss her dearly, and I have very fond memories of the kindness she bestowed every day. I knew I could reach out to her whenever a helping hand was needed. Who knows how to do this? Just ask Joanie. So sorry for the family’s loss, but the kindness she shared will live on in each of us whose life she touched. Praying for God’s comfort and blessings on you, especially at this time.

    Noel Skinner
  11. My heart-felt condolences. It is difficult to put grief into words, but so many people will grieve for Joanie. We learned so much about her by the way she listened, the way she worked everyone else’s problem, her love and devotion to family. Joanie was one of the stars of the show at JSC, a uniquely giving and caring person, someone able to share her strengths just by example. Thanks, Joanie.

    Mark Shavers
  12. Joanie, you’ll always be remembered for your kindness and helpfulness and your listening ear. You are missed but safe in Heaven now. God Bless you, your family, and your friends.

    Kathy Reeves
  13. May my condolences bring you comfort and may my prayers ease the pain of this loss.

    Cynthia Parra
  14. Our sincere condolences to the entire family for this sudden loss. Wishing you all strength and comfort through this difficult time.

    Ron and Lisa Harter
  15. You will be missed. You were the first person I met when I was hired in 2004, I will never forget how kind and caring you were to me, when I looked and felt like a deer in the headlights.

    Vanessa J. de Vera
  16. I remember Joanie from the El Lago pool durong the mid- to late-1970s. Eternal rest gramt unto her, oh, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.

    Peggy Machol-Bassett
  17. Rick, Katie, and Nathan,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Joanie was the first person I worked with when I was hired by Krug 30 years ago. She helped me so much, and always with kindness and humor. She became a dear friend over the years. I will miss her greatly.

    Kerry George
  18. Joanie has a special place in my heart. I was
    Working for her dad in 1964 when she was born
    And he was so excited telling everyone at work
    About his new daughter. I will miss her always.
    God bless you.

    Robert Heyer
  19. Next to Joanie’s desk is a vintage, Naugahyde green recliner and, believe it or not, this is an unusual thing to have at NASA these days. I am not sure of the full history of the chair, it is somewhat legendary, but I know that it has followed Joannie around from office to office for some time. When I talked with Joannie, I sat in that chair. Joanie and that recliner listened to my work woes and my family challenges and small celebrations. I worked through the loss of coworkers in that chair, talked through some hard management decisions, laughed at politics, and told Joanie every horrible joke I heard. I apologize if she shared those with you.

    Lots of people sat in that chair over the years and shared their stories, worries, and laughs with Joanie. Close to the candy she always kept stocked and, more importantly, close to her caring, helpful spirit. We will certainly miss her listening to us. We will miss her voice, her laugh, and the stories about Rick, Nathan, Katie, and the dogs.

    I will keep the recliner with me for as long as I am at NASA. Come by and visit. But no matter where you sit, listen to each other. When you do Joanie will be with us.

    Godspeed Joanie.

    Todd Leger
    • That is a nice story. Thanks for sharing.

      Robyn Hogan
  20. Condolences to her family and coworkers. From the number of years at her employment and her dedication and loyalty to Rick and her children, she left a very impressive legacy. I never imagined I wouldn’t see her again in person. Thanks for all the memories and may her loved ones find peace during this time.

    Tracy Kachtick-Anders
  21. Joanie,
    You will be so greatly missed it was a pleasure working with you! Rest in Peace and Prayers to your family.

    Margo Billingsley
  22. So very sorry to hear of Joanie’s passing. She was one of the first people I met when I came to work in Bldg. 37 in 1985. At that point, she was secretary to Dr. Bourland and to the food lab. She was so friendly and kind and made me feel welcome before anyone else did. Although she moved on to other positions, we kept in contact and when ever we would see each other I immediately felt that same welcome. My last office before I retired was right down the hall from hers and I often stopped by to catch up. We shared our sadness when Dr. B passed away. I will miss Joanie and will always remember her kindness, her friendship and her laugh. God bless her family in their time of grief.

    Vickie Kloeris
  23. Condolences to Joanie’s family. It’s so hard to lose a loved one, particularly before their time. I worked with Joanie when I first joined the JSC workforce in 1992. She was the second person I met as I walked into the Building 37 and was immediately escorted to her office so she could begin teaching me the ropes. She always had a smile and was so helpful. She will be missed.

    Chuck Layne
  24. When I came to work at JSC in 1963 I worked for her dad Ed. And like Bob Heyer has said, Ed was so happy and proud when she was born. Then Joanie came to work with us at building 37. Joanie was so sweet and kind; when we came out of the church at her father’s funeral mass she gave __ME__ a hug because I looked sad.

    Rest in peace Joanie.

    Jim Waligora
  25. Rick I was just devastated when I got the news and still can’t believe it.. Just know that you, Nathan & Katie are in my thoughts & prayers.. I can still see you Joanie, Walt & I hanging out together.. I feel bad that I didn’t reach out to you and Joanie after I moved to California more often. I wish that I could come to Clearlake to see y’all but I just started a new part time job, I will be thinking of y’all & saying extra prayers on Wednesday.. God be with y’all at this tough time..

    Michael Mandagelo
  26. Rest in peace. You were a loving friend to all. I’ve been rembering the happy memories made when we met back in 1982. Prayers for Rick, Nathan, Katie and all who loved you so very much.
    Love, Barb

    Barbara H Harris
  27. I had the privilege of working with Joanie. She was a loving, caring listener and problem solver. Someone even put a Peanuts ‘Psychiatric Help – 5 Cents’ cup on her desk. If we would have honestly chipped in, she would have been a millionaire. We love you Joanie. I have a feeling things are going to be getting better in the world – God just recruited a top-notch advisor.

    Barry Tillman

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