On June 6, 2024, Alice Denise Bickel went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in Heaven. After a tenacious battle with cancer, she is now free of pain and suffering.
Denise was born on December 6, 1957 to Jeanette Langner and Cam Chisum in Laredo, Texas. After the divorce of her parents, she was adopted by Melvin Smith at the age of 7. She spent her elementary and middle school years in Alvin, TX, enjoying twirling contests, gymnastics meets and spending time with her brother, Jimmy. While attending Huntsville High School, Denise spent her time singing in chorale, twirling and writing for the campus newspaper. She graduated high school in 1976 and attended Sam Houston State University for her college years. Denise worked hard obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in Teaching, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and while enjoying time with her sorority sisters, met the love of her life, David Alan Bickel. They were married the week after graduation on May 19, 1979.
After college, Denise went on to get her Masters of Education from Sam Houston State and over the years taught in Conroe ISD, Cherry Creek ISD (CO) and Plano ISD. Born a natural leader, she held the role of team lead at Cherry Creek, Saigling and Matthews Elementary. She received the award of Teacher of the Year in Conroe and at Matthews Elementary. Her favorite week of the year was always the week spent at Camp Classen with her Fifth Grade students.
She poured her heart and soul into her children, Lindsey and Andrew, driving them to all of their activities, showing up for all of their events and being present both physically and emotionally for them. Being the amazing woman she was, she also made time to be involved in the Plano, TX, community. Denise was a member of the Junior League of Plano, serving on numerous committees and had the role of President the 1998-1999 year. She was involved in PTA at the kids' schools, along with Booster Clubs supporting their activities. Together with Lindsey, they were part of the National Charity League, making memories serving those in need in the North Texas area. Denise was a lifetime member of Women’s Auxiliary at Children's Hospital and Women Making a Difference in Plano. The organization closest to her heart the last few years has been the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) - Chapter DX. As Chairman of the Committee, Denise led the effort to establish the Woman of Distinction PEO Scholarship. This was near and dear to her heart.
Denise and David are members of the United Methodist Church. Together, they taught Sunday School for many years. She also served during VBS, even being Director one year. She spent time growing her faith by participating in the Tuesday Morning Bible Study at Legacy Church for 15 years. She was also honored to be part of the Babes in Bookland book club and her Bunco group.
Denise absolutely loved traveling the world seeing many beautiful lands, historical sites and places where Paul the apostle had preached the Good News. She had a love for New York City, specifically for Broadway musicals and plays. The last 13 years, Gulf Shores, AL has held a special place in her heart, being labeled her “happy place”.
The role Denise loved best was being wife to David, Mom to Lindsey and Andrew and “Nesi” to her four grandsons; Rhett, Reid, Cade and Mason. She loved bigger than anyone and that will stay with them all the years of their lives.
Denise is preceded in death by her parents, Jeanette Langer Smith and Melvin Smith; her grandparents, Norma and Gilbert Dube and her Father-in- Law, Herbert Bickel.
She is survived by her husband, David; daughter Lindsey, son-in-law Boone and their children, Rhett (10), Reid (8) and Cade (5); her son, Andrew and his wife, Lauren, along with their son, Mason (5). She is also survived by her brother James Smith and his wife Dee Ann, and her mother in law Joan Hough Bickel.
In lieu of flowers, Denise asked that those interested would consider donating to The Woman of Distinction Fund by calling Rachel at the P.E.O. Foundation, 515-421-4717.
Family and friends are invited to a Visitation on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Road, Plano, Texas 75075, at 12:15 PM, with a Funeral Service beginning at 1:00 PM. A private interment will be held at Ridgeview West Memorial Park, 7800 Sanctuary Drive, Frisco, Texas 75033.