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Mittie “Stevie” Hydrick (née Stephens) transitioned to her eternal home on Sunday, March 6, 2016. She was the daughter of the late Joseph P. and Mae Stephens of Spartanburg, SC, and she was a resident of Henderson County for 50 years.
Always involved in the community, she served as the president of the Land O’ Sky Garden Club and the Pardee Hospital Auxiliary. She was secretary of the Lake Summit Property Owners Association, a position she held for 32 years. Ever the entrepreneur, she became known for starting or owning several businesses in Hendersonville, NC including The Plaid Door, Toy Town USA Ltd., and Arts, Crafts, and Framing. A devoted golfer, she helped to found the Hendersonville Country Club Nine Hole Women’s group of which she won two championships. She also served on the Altar Guilds of St. James and St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal churches and enjoyed flower arranging and wedding direction at both. Recently, she had devoted her attention to the St. John’s Backpack Program.
After growing up in Spartanburg, Stevie moved to Virginia where she married Frank Rick, who was killed in action in Italy during World War II. In Virginia, she worked at the Dahlgren Naval Proving Grounds with the original seven Mercury Astronauts for what would eventually become NASA. She later met and married the late Daniel E. Hydrick, Jr. The two moved to Dallas, TX where they adopted two children, Bill and Anne. The family would settle in Henderson County in 1966.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her siblings, brothers, Chester Stephens (Dorothy), Jack Stephens, and Joe H. Stephens (Dottie); and sisters, Vinnie Billings (Ernie), and Guynita Stephens.
Stevie is survived by her children, William of New Orleans LA, and Stephanie Anne McManus of Waxhaw NC; grandchildren, Cameron and Reece Baldwin; brother, Ray Stephens (Carol); sister-in-law, Carolyn Stephens of Spartanburg; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family as well as many “girls” who claim her as mom.
A member of the Greatest Generation, Stevie survived the Great Depression, sacrificed a husband to freedom in WW II, witnessed the assassination of a President, and watched man walk on the moon. She raised a family and served her community. She provided for her children through snow and ice storms, and a hurricane named Katrina. Known for her infectious laugh and outgoing personality by all who met her, Stevie worked industriously, played honorably, loved and was loved by all she knew.
Services will be held at St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church in Flat Rock on Friday, March 18th at 3:00 PM. The family will receive visitors following the service in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. John’s Backpack Program, P.O. Box 185, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
Carolina Cremation of Charlotte and Salisbury is assisting the Hydrick family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Mindy Staton says
This obituary is beautifully written. She would be proud. I have enjoyed her love and friendship for many years. I will miss her so very much. Anne and Bill my heart breaks for you all losing such a wonderful mom. May the memories of a lot of laughter, and love be with you both.
Denise Pryor says
My life has been enriched by knowing Stevie. I will forever cherish the great times we had with her. I always told her she was my inspiration. I know she was the best mom ever, and several of us “borrowed” her to be our second mom. We will miss our Stevie. Nick and I send our deepest sympathy and love.
Robin Henderson Corum says
What a BEAUTIFUL tribute to our Beloved Stevie! She is “Beaming”, with pride, up there in Heaven. I can just hear her giggle and see those twinkling, blue eyes as she witnesses all the Love she has to be feeling from all of us down here on Earth.(And, of course, up there in Heaven) She was the “BESTEST” friend and “Second Mom” anyone could ever hope to have and I just know she and my Precious Mom, Dot, are having a grand reunion, together again…..All my Love, Prayers and Sympathy to Anne, Bill and Family
Debbie Hoots says
Such a beautiful tribute to such a precious lady! Bill and Anne you are in my prayers! I want to let you know she talked so much about the two of you and the love she had for you and her grandsons! I was blessed to take care of her and get to know her. She was a friend you could talk to about anything. I enjoyed our many talks. She truly loved her family and her friends. Cherish the memories and know she loved you all very dearly!
Bill & Sandi Pauli says
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. We loved seeing “The Apple Lady” (so named by her soliciting local apple growers to donate apples to the back pack program), at our weekly packing days. Her cherubic face and warm smile were a site to behold. We will miss her. Bill & Sandi Pauli
Pam Hedstrom says
What a wonderful, creative lady who will be missed by many in our community. We met through our love of flowers, and Garden Club, and it was truly a pleasure to know her. My condolences to her family and friends.
Ann Phillips says
Dear Anne and Bill—We were so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. I enjoyed her friendship during our many rounds of golf at HCC. She had many friends and we will all miss her wonderful sense of humor and love of life.
Sincerely, Ann and Charlie Phillips
Joyce Biddix says
My life has been forever changed because of Stevie. She was my confidant, mentor and friend. I would tell her when I grow up I want to be spunky just like her. She would just laugh. She allowed nothing to stop her from doing the things she loved. Stevie has been an inspiration to many. The world has lost a great women….I have lost a great friend. My deepest sympathy to Bill, Anne and the boys.
William Hydrick says
Still thinking of you.
Bill says
Always in my thoughts.
Bill says
Wish you were here to see the house I bought. I think you would approve.
Billy says
Wish you were here to see the house I bought. I think you would approve.
Rena’ J. says
I met Stevie when I worked at Belk’s. She was warm and funny and I loved her personality. I was a young mom and she became a good friend to me. I have a picture of her at my wedding. I knew she had passed but did not know when. I found her obituary today. I know heaven is filled with her wonderful laughter.
Bill hydrick says
Thinking of you today. Wish you were still around so we could argue politics.
Bill says
One more year gone bye. Life goes on but without the shine you always gave it.
William Hydrick says
Thought of you this afternoon. Wish you were still here for that unconditional support.