Several years ago, my wife and I first met Paul and Marjory Vickery at the annual Christmas Party at Ken and Pat Hodge’s estate in Point Noble. Even with more than 200 guests in attendance, the Vickerys stood out like diamonds on black velvet. A radiant couple, with ready handshakes, hugs and smiles that could light up a room, they were virtual ambassadors without the slightest hint of pomposity. They never spoke about themselves, preferring to learn about the people they met. Nevertheless, any inquiry into their background would quickly illustrate that their accomplishments were legion. Before the term became popular the Vickerys were certainly what I’d call a “power couple.”
In 2010, after 63 years of marriage, Paul passed away. They have 5 children, 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Marjory often said that her husband was the one who encouraged her to get involved and be an advocate for the community. And did she ever! In 1969, Marjory became the first woman elected to the Board of Trustees in Lewisville ISD. During her tenure on the board she chaired the Finance Committee, the School Naming Committee and the Safety Committee. In 1976, she became the first Republican woman elected to the State Board of Education and the first Denton County Republican elected to a state office.
She was also a member of the Lewisville Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees; Chair of the Lewisville Lake Symphony Orchestra; Chair of the Greater Lewisville Arts Alliance; board member of the Lewisville Heart Association and the Lewisville Cancer Society and President of the Community Action League of Lewisville, just to name a few. Some of the honors and awards Marjory received are as follows: National finalist for Charm Magazine Fashion Design Contest; Woman of the year in 1989, by the Lewisville Chamber of Commerce; Woman of the Year in 1981, by the Lewisville Business and Professional Women’s Club; Honorary member Kappa Theta Chapter, 1981 (an Honor Society for Women Educators); Texas State Honorary Member, 2006, DKG, and nominated to the Top Ten Most Influential Republican Women of the State of Texas.
In addition, in 2003, the LISD bestowed the honor of naming the Marjory Kent Vickery Elementary School in Flower Mound after her. With such an impressive résumé, it was very gratifying to see that she was once again honored at her 90th birthday party in July, hosted by her children. At the celebration, Denton County Commissioner, Bobbie Mitchell, read a proclamation and Senator Jane Nelson sent a proclamation to be read at the ceremony. Denton County Commissioners Court proclaimed July 9th (day of the party) as Marjory Kent Vickery Day. Also, the Senate of the State of Texas recognized Marjory Kent Vickery as a treasured citizen of the State of Texas.
Commissioner Mitchell spoke about the abundant blessings of having dedicated people in our community and related some of the myriad accomplishments Marjory had made. She talked about the numerous educational improvements and safety needs that Ms. Vickery lobbied for during her many years of public service. “A public servant is all about helping the community, doing something to help somebody else and not beating your chest to tell everyone how wonderful you are,” Ms. Mitchell said during the ceremony. That just about sums up what Marjory Vickery has always done during her many years of valuable service to those fortunate enough to be in her orbit.
Bob Weir is a former NYPD officer, long-time Flower Mound resident and former local newspaper editor.
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