Mary Bess Young Hixson

Mary Bess Young Hixson, 68, former resident of Columbia, died July 9, 2010 at her residence in Tucson, Arizona. Born in Columbia August 20, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Joel Lane Young, Sr. and Oma Ingram Young. She later moved to Nashville where she met her husband of 41 years, the late Donald Hixson. They would also make their home in New Carrolton, Maryland, Lincoln, Nebraska, and Spokane, Washington. She was a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University where she earned a B.S. Degree in Biology and obtained a certificate in Cytology from the University of North Dakota in 1976. Mrs. Hixson worked in that field until 1998. She and her husband then spent 18 months touring the United States in an RV, vacationing and visiting family and friends. It was on trips through Arizona that she gained a love for Tucson and moved there in 1999 and pursued a new career in Real Estate, as an associate of Coldwell Banker and Real Estate Marketing Professionals. Bess embraced life, whether learning a new craft, traveling to distant lands, or giving a friend some needed help. Cancer didn't deter that spirit as she enjoyed all the time she had. She will be missed as the loving and generous mother, sister, and friend she was. Survivors include sons, Douglas Hixson of Manchester, New Hampshire and Michael Hixson of Mesa, Arizona; sisters, Leslie Vick and Margaret (Lester) Cathey of Columbia, and Molly Kelley of Sacramento, California; brothers, Michael Young of Marietta, Georgia, and Monroe Young of Memphis; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by a sister, Phoebe Young Underhill and brothers, Joel Lane "Sonny" Young, Jr. and William Robert "Butch" Young. The family expresses appreciation to Hospice of Tucson for their care and concern during her illness. Notes of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.oakesandnichols.com.