Former UMHB First Lady, Vicky Bawcom passes away on August 13

August 21, 2025

By Susan Kolodziejczyk

The Belton Journal

Shortly after Mrs. Bawcom passed, UMHB posted this message on their social media.

Our UMHB family is deeply saddened by the loss of Vicky Sue Bawcom, Honorary Alumna and former first lady of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. For nearly two decades, Vicky worked alongside Jerry, making students feel known, valued, and loved. Her approachable spirit and genuine interest in people left a mark on the UMHB community that still lingers today.

In 2012, the Bawcom Student Union was named in honor of Vicky and Jerry — a lasting tribute to their years of dedication, generosity, and love for the university and its people.

A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 19, at the First Baptist Church in Belton.

The Belton Journal staff sends its sincere condolences to the Bawcom and UMHB families.

TRIBUTES from family and friends

The Bawcom’s always treated my family with respect. I remember going to their open house on the UMHB campus at Christmas with Anna a few times. Jerry was the first person I played golf with when I moved to Belton.

David Tuma

My days at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor we shaped largely by the dedication and love of Mrs. Bawcom. Her warmth and kindness was evident to all, and she served as a bright ambassador of UMHB as First Lady. I remember how kind and welcoming she was during Welcome Week as new students were settling in on campus with our futures ahead of us. She invited new students and parents into the President’s Home on campus for reception and was the perfect hostess, ensuring that her special peanut butter balls were always on the menu. She will be truly missed. Dr. Bawcom and Amy, My prayers are with you both as you grieve the loss of your beloved wife and mother, respectively. Take comfort in our God for we know Heaven will be a wonderful reunion!

Mary Anne Thornton,

UMHB Student 2004-2008

I will always remember you, regardless of whether I was at UMHB or when you and Dr. Bawcom were here in Connecticut, and you came back to my home for a visit and had homemade pie, which my mother had baked. Thank you for being you and being so kind and caring, and not only to me and your family but to the UMHB family, whom you love. You were always in my prayers and I thought of you all the time. Thank you for caring.

Cindy “Connecticut” Latham

Vicki was a bright and shining light in the life of UMHB. She hosted so many receptions in the president’s home. She shared her home with students and parents . She shared her home at Christmas with the whole community. Oh my, oh my - she and Dr. Bawcom could decorate the most beautiful Christmas trees and table settings for every room of the house. She always took such good care of the past president Dr. Parker and his widow and brought them to every UMHB special occasion. Her love of Christ and His people was so evident. We will miss Vicki. Dr. Bawcom and Amy, our prayers are with you.

George and Cindy Loutherback

Every moment with Vicky is a favorite memory, but we had the most fun on our trips together. Mark and I traveled to Branson, New York, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Greece and the Greek Islands, and a New England/Maine cruise with them; Vicky and I laughed most of the time. We saw humor in everything and everyone. The fact that our husbands didn’t laugh made it all funnier for us. She was smart, interesting, generous and kind. She dressed beautifully every time she went anywhere. She nominated me for membership in the Woman’s Wednesday Club then immediately moved to San Marcos. She was so sweet to our granddaughters, and we will all miss her very much.

Betty A

I always admired Vicky Bawcom’s grace and the sweet aura that always seemed to surround her. Anytime I was around her, she was smiling or laughing. It was almost infectious. My favorite memory of her was her Open House event at Christmas. I found it to be one of the most beautiful displays, and she was so kind and generous to invite everyone to the event. It was beautiful, just like her. Much love to Jerry and Amy.

Susan Kolodziejczyk

Dr. Bawcom and Miss Bawcom, I am so saddened about your loss. I pray you are filled with overwhelming peace and beautiful memories. Mrs. Bawcom loved all of us like her own, and she was a great, classy lady. We loved the Longhorns candy she would gift us for helping with Christmas Open House. My favorite memory of her was her telling Katie and I about buying Dr. B some purple Vans to wear the first football season.

Kelly Jean Keel

I remember when a few days after Tate was born, a beautiful meaningful handwritten note was sent to us. To us, it meant you are loved, you are seen, you are family. It came at a time that really mattered. Love you and what you both poured into UMHB. You made us your kids for a few 4 short years, but don’t ever think it goes unseen. Love you dearly.

Ashley Burkley Tyndall

Such a very special lady! The definition of grace!

Seleese Schraeder Thompson

She was a wonderful First Lady who made students felt seen and loved. Together you made a team that exemplified the love of Christ. Prayers for the family and all who will miss her presence. Until we meet again.

Rebeca E. Carpenter

Mrs Bawcom was a wonderful First Lady! Dr Bawcom and Mrs Bawcom were perfect for UMHB! Love them both! Prayers to the family.

Scott Matthews

Mrs. Bawcom was present for all of us students and that was the absolute best gift she could give us, a family away from our families. She was just as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside.

Lauren Jones Smith

My heart goes out to the UMHB family during this difficult time. The Bawcom family have been instrumental in the development of UMHB for many, many years. Condolences to all.

Robin Morgan

I always enjoyed seeing the Christmas decorations/trees in the main house. Such a kind and thoughtful person. She will be missed. Prayers to the Bawcom family for comfort and peace.

DaSean N Stephanie Durham

Dr. Jerry is am so sorry to hear this news. Y’all made lots of great memories together. You and Amy or in our prayers. God blessed us all with knowing this beautiful lady. Vickie was a great 1st Lady and a great support of our communities.

Ken Higdon

Dr. Bawcom … you have my deepest condolences. My favorite memory was that one time you requested for me to drive y’all to the DFW area in the middle of the week to your hotel and I got to thoroughly visit with y’all and y’all got to hear my story of how I came to UMHB. It was such a memorable bonding moment and I will always cherish in my heart. Thank you for being MY president and sharing Mrs. Bawcom with us all.

Henry Morin