In Memory

Crystal Layne Young Hickerson - Class Of 2000

Crystal Layne Young Hickerson

Crystal Layne Young Hickerson

(February 18, 1982 ~ February 5, 2024)

Crystal, daughter of Mark Edward Young and Polly Dee Hanson.


Crystal Layne Young Hickerson came into this world on February 18, 1982, in Amarillo, Texas. As in everything she did, she came in on her own terms, a gentle force determined to make a mark in this life. She ended her journey on February 5, 2024, in Abilene, Texas.

It has been said, “Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories.” Crystal’s trail is wide and strewn with many marvelous memories. From an early age it was clear she loved learning and excelled in academics. Valedictorian of her class at Jim Ned High School, graduating with honors from Abilene Christian University, a masters from State University of New York (Buffalo), and a PhD from the University of California, Irvine were her credentials. In the middle of all this, she spread her knowledge through two years in the Peace Corps serving in Namibia, 18 months teaching university classes in Paris, France, 18 months teaching in Santiago, Chile, and completing seven years of teaching in the UCI system.

Crystal loved nature and loved kids and she became a charter member of the Muya Nature charter school where she taught through experience, songs, writings and storytelling. With everything she did, her joy for learning and teaching shined. She lived and taught as a free spirit.

Music was an integral part of her being; she was an accomplished saxophonist, sang with a voice that made meadowlarks envious, and used songs to teach lessons, to inspire, and to incite joy. A conversation with her would often be accented by a ditty inserted into it which would make you smile and wonder if you were about to be in a flash mob.

Her greatest achievement was being a mom. Her two daughters, Elle and Billie, were her life and joy. She left academia to teach in the nature school so her daughters could experience this world outside of a standard classroom. She took them camping, hiking, and on many adventures so they could enjoy this earth we walk upon. It is hard to find photos of her without her two loves sharing the moment with her.

Crystal is survived by her two daughters; Elle Simone Hickerson and Billie Holliday Hickerson, and their father, Jason Hickerson, of California.

She leaves behind her siblings; Kacey Young Marshall, Kara Young, Jeremiah Young, Luke Marshall, and Zan Marshall. Her parents; Mark and Twyla Young of Abilene and Polly Young of San Antonio. Multiple aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces. And her California family who may not have been born into her family but were her family in spirit.

An outdoor celebration of Crystal’s life will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 1-3 p.m. at the Old Settlers Campground in Buffalo Gap.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation in her honor at a charity of your choice. If you need suggestions, she was a fan of the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Abilene and the mission of the Hendricks Hospice facility.