Marcelle Renee Hocutt

is honored with a Brick from Kay R. Womack.

My heroine:
Marcelle Renee Himes Hocutt was raised in Russell, KS, the oldest of three children of Don and Leah Himes. As a young woman, she attended and graduated from Colorado Women's College in Denver, then a two-year college. After moving to Kansas City, then back to Russell, she met and married Major Ealon S. Hocutt. They lived in Galveston, TX a short while; then, upon completion of his military career, moved to Wichita.

Marcelle settled into home life, raising three children - John, Kerry and Kay. A fourth child, James, came later in 1962. She then decided to complete a four year degree and enrolled in Wichita University. With a major in English and three children, she succeeded in graduating Magna Cum Laude by studying late at night after we went to sleep. Since I was the youngest at preschool age, I often attended classes with my mother. Her goal was further complicated by the loss of a baby girl just prior to graduation in May 1959. Although unaware of her perseverance and strength at the time, I now understand the odds she overcame to obtain her educational goal. School, however, was never more important than her children. She showed us open affection and unconditional love.

My mom is my heroine because she instilled in me both the value and beauty of family, and the importance of education, self-improvement and striving to reach my potential. It is because of her loving guidance and blessings from God that I have been able to achieve both family (three beautiful children and a supportive husband) and a rewarding career.

Submitted by Kay Renee Hocutt Womack

September 18, 1998