Kelly McIver Wicker was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and from the very start, she was destined to live a big, bold, and unforgettable life. Her family didn’t stay in one place for long—moving from Winston-Salem to Lynchburg, VA, then Savannah, GA, then Baton Rouge, LA, and eventually Dayton, OH. The move to Dayton as a Junior in high school was hard on her, but in classic Kelly fashion, she wasted no time returning to Louisiana. She graduated high school early to attend Louisiana State University and was forever a proud Tiger.

In 1992, Kelly married John Ferrigan. While the marriage was brief, it gave her the greatest gift: her daughter, Emma. That chapter also brought her back to North Carolina, this time settling in Raleigh, where Kelly launched her career in corporate housing and real estate. It was here she discovered a passion for real estate operations, something she carried with her for the rest of her life.

Later, in 2011, a job offer with Switchplace pulled Kelly to Dallas, Texas. She embraced the move with her signature energy and determination. Dallas quickly became more than just a place to live, it is a city she grew to love deeply. Eventually, she and a colleague struck out on their own, founding Housed, a real estate business that blended Kelly’s entrepreneurial spirit with her natural gift for connecting with people. She thrived in this chapter, not only as a businesswoman but as someone who had truly carved out a life she loved.

Then came the role that brought her more joy than she ever imagined. In May of 2025, Kelly became a grandmother. As soon as she laid eyes on Aitana, she embraced “grandmother” with the same love, humor, and fierce devotion that defined every part of her life. Aitana was the newest reason for that sparkle in her eye.

Kelly was so many things to so many people: a protective mother, a doting grandmother, a spirited daughter, a loyal sister, and a fiercely supportive friend. She was also hilarious. Her wit could cut through the heaviest of days and remind you not to take life too seriously. Unless it involved LSU football, backgammon, or her favorite Tex-Mex. (She could find the best queso in any zip code.) She blasted Van Halen when she needed to rock out, sang along to Prince like nobody was watching, and could happily lose hours to TV shows about murders—equal parts horrified and captivated.

Her life took her across states and through many adventures, but she always carried her love for Louisiana with pride, her family and friends in her heart, and her unstoppable humor at the ready. She leaves behind her greatest joys, Emma and Aitana, her mother Judy, sister Cameron, brother Rich, and a wide circle of loved ones who will never hear a certain song, taste a certain dish, or recall a certain inside joke without thinking of Kelly and smiling.

Kelly lived fully, loved fiercely, and left us with laughter that will echo for years to come. She would want us to raise a glass, share the queso, crank up the classic rock, and keep cheering on LSU.

We love you, Kelly. Save us a seat at the table—preferably one with a strong cocktail, a good playlist, and a view of the football game.

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A celebration of life will be held at The Drawing Board on Friday, November 7, 1:00-3:00 pm.

1900 Jay Ell Drive, Richardson, TX 75081

For those who would like to honor Kelly with flowers, contributions may be made to Lizzy Bee’s Flower Shoppe, who will be creating the floral arrangements for the service.

506 Lockwood Dr. #200, Richardson TX 75080, 972-495-7969

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