Lois Virginia Heslep's Obituary
Lois Virginia Bickham Heslep died of congestive heart failure on April 18, 2026. She was the youngest of six children and was preceded in death by her parents, Bryan and Ann Bickham, and her siblings Robert, Clifford, Jean, Doris and Lane.
Lois graduated from Bay City High School, Bay City, Texas, and received her teaching degree from Southwest Texas College, San Marcos, Texas, and her masters degree from Prairie View A&M. She taught school in Boerne and Houston, Texas. She also worked as a receptionist for Mayor of Houston Louie Welch, a position attained with the help of her sister Doris, who was the Mayor’s secretary.
Lois, whose birthday was on January 19, 1938, married James Joseph Heslep (Jimmy) whose birthday was January 17, 1938 in July 1969, and they built their retirement home in Canyon Lake, Texas, which was designed by her brother Lane, who was an architech. They delivered Meals on Wheels for years and Lois always added an extra sweet treat. Jimmy died on September 27, 2025, and, although her Alzheimer’s prevented her from remembering that he died, Lois was bereft without him. She was always looking and calling out for Jimmy.
Lois never had children and is survived by her nieces, nephews, cousins, and two step-children. Her niece, Kerry Kemp, who retired in May 2025, started helping them in June 2025 when Lois fell and both of them required assistance when they moved to a nursing home. After Jimmy died, Kerry moved Lois to a nursing home in Waxahachie to visit and look out for her.
As per their wishes, their ashes will be scattered at Canyon Lake, Texas.
What’s your fondest memory of Lois?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lois?
Share a story where Lois' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lois you’ll never forget.
How did Lois make you smile?