Jimmie Del Wicker

Jimmie Del Wicker passed away on March 15, 2026, at the age of 86.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Scott’s Funeral Home in Gatesville, with interment following at Jonesboro Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026 at the funeral home.

Jimmie Del was born to Melvin and Gertie Watson in Pancake, Texas on November 7, 1939. She attended school in Jonesboro where she graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1957. After high school, she continued her education at Howard Payne University and Baylor University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Howard Payne. She would go on to earn a Master of Education at Tarleton State University.

On January 24, 1959, she married William Richard “Dickie” Wicker, a union lasting 58 years. Throughout their lives they lived in Gatesville, except for 13 years in Pancake. They had two children: Mary, born 1960, and Mark, born 1968.

Jimmie Del grew up attending Jonesboro Baptist Church, and later for over 40 years was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Gatesville. More recently, she came to live with her daughter and joined as a member of First Methodist Church of Gatesville. Jimmie Del was a woman with an unwavering faith in God. She possessed a quiet strength that allowed her to always put others before herself. She was a servant in every sense of the word.

Jimmie Del knew from an early age that she wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a teacher. She loved children; she wished for each and every one of them to know they were important, they were loved, and they were capable of great things. Throughout her 58-year teaching career, she touched countless hearts. For 35 years, Jimmie taught public school, her career spanning the communities of Copperas Cove, Turnersville, and Gatesville. Later, she would serve 23 years as Director of First Baptist Academy, in Gatesville. Whether it was her students, her children, her grandchildren, her great grandchildren, or even her fellow residents at Hillside, she always had knowledge and encouragement to share.

Jimmie Del was preceded in death by her husband, Dickie Wicker; parents, Melvin and Gertie Watson; and her beloved sister, Mary Ellen Pringle.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Kafer and husband, Gary; son, Mark Wicker; grandchildren, Canyon Kafer, Sara Rodriquez, Libby Jackson, and Haven Wicker; great grandchildren, Ryan Jackson, Hazel Jackson, Delaney Jackson, Ace White, Lilly and Lincoln Rodriquez, and Wren Stites.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jimmie Del’s name to First National Bank, 3411 E. Main Street, Gatesville, Texas 76528. All proceeds will benefit the physical therapy department at Hillside Medical Lodge in Gatesville. Memorials may also be made to the Jonesboro Baptist Church, 11420 N. State Hwy 36, Jonesboro, Texas 76538.

The family of Jimmie Del Wicker wish to extend their sincere thanks to Hillside Medical Lodge for the wonderful care and love she received from the staff during her time there.

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