In the pre-dawn hours at her home on the morning of July 21, 2026, Vivian Lucille (Branum) Hickman, age 82, of Malvern, transcended to her heavenly home.  She was a devoted wife, sister, barrel racer and cattle rancher.

Vivian was born in Kingston, TN on February 18,1944 to Mary & Luther Branum; the 3rd of 9 children they would have. She graduated Malvern High School in 1962 and three years later received her Bachelor of Science degree from Southern State University.  She was a medical technologist and worked in the lab of various hospitals for over 40 years. Vivian was a Baptist and a founding member of the Ouachita River Fellowship Church, where she attended regularly until her health prevented it.

Vivian also worked alongside her husband, Arnis Hickman, whom she married in 1978.   Together they built their little house on the prairie and named it the AV Ranch.   Arnis often referred to Vivian lovingly as his "little girl", or "the Commanch" depending on the situation.  She was an avid barrel racer until age 75 and had belonged to the Malvern Round-Up Club, the ABRA, ABHA, & the Quarter Horse Association. She won many races, money, saddles & belt buckles.  She also worked on the ranch helping turn their modest cattle ranch into a productive cattle operation as evidenced by their being named the HSC Farm Family of the Year in 1996.  Whether at work or competing in barrel racing she had a strong work ethic and always strived to be the best she could be at whatever she did.

Vivian was a master at cooking from scratch and was known best for her giant apple pies, cathead biscuits & chili.  She hosted many family events at their home over the years, including the one we all looked forward to, the hayride and wiener roast on Halloween.  Even when she was recovering from a near fatal horse accident she still insisted we have this event at their home.

Vivian loved to travel out west and drive only on the back roads to get there.  The Cheyenne Rodeo was always a favorite attraction. Afterall, the cowgirl loved the cowboy that Arnis was.  She also loved to go on horseback trail rides and hiking with her sisters somewhere every year.

Vivian was a former Miss Malvern, a fire baton feature twirler at football games, and a drum major.  In high school she was the only girl in her chemistry class, thus her calling to work in a hospital lab. She was an avid reader, even as a child, and always supported our local library.  She also faithfully supported the Angel Tree Program at Christmas; and as she was so proud of her Cherokee lineage, numerous Indian Tribe causes and St Jude's Children's Hospital.

She will be missed not only by her husband, family, friends & dogs, but by her Silver Sneakers buddies where she exercised until her illness made her too weak to climb the stairs.  This wasn't a long goodbye we witnessed, but to all believers in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, "I'll see you again."

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents mentioned above; a brother, Bobby Branum, and a sister, Barbara Bailey.  She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Arnis Hickman; brothers Eugene (Linda) Branum of Estill Springs, TN; Arnold (Wanda) Branum of Malvern; sisters Dorothy Sealy of Hot Springs; Martha Huggins of Memphis, TN; Faye (Jack) Williams and Zola (Ronnie) Brandon of Malvern; sister in-law Laurice Clark of Texas; a slew of nieces (one great niece as her namesake) & nephews, and her beloved dogs, Speck, Deets & Willow.

Cremation arrangements handled by Regency Funeral Home.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Regency, on Monday, August 3rd with visitation from 10-11 prior to the service.  Dr. Thomy Green will officiate.

Memorial donations may be made to one of her favorite causes:  St Jude's Children's Hospital.

You may sign the guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com.