It is with profound love and respect that we announce the peaceful passing of Lou Ida Hicks, a cherished soul whose journey began in Jackson County, Florida, on the 13th of September 1929, and who bid farewell to this world on the 21st of May, 2024, in Marianna, Florida. Lou Ida was a beacon of light to all who knew her, the epitome of friendliness and selflessness that brightened the lives of many.
Lou Ida was welcomed into this world by her adoring parents, Albert Jeter and Martha Bryant Jeter, and was woven into the fabric of a large and loving family that included 2 sisters and 7 brothers. She shared a beautiful and enduring marriage with her dear late husband, John Walter Hicks, who preceded her in death after 54 devoted years together.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness in her daughter Brenda Large-Kelly of Bryn Mawr, PA; her cherished grandsons, Kenny Large of Bryn Mawr, PA, Billy Jenkins Jr. of Jacksonville, FL, Brian Kennedy of Jacksonville, FL, and Richie Tipping of Grand Ridge, FL; and her adored granddaughters, Tabatha Robinson of Jacksonville, FL, Karen Effler of Jacksonville, FL, Stephanie Curle of London England, and Laura Waites. Her memory will be tenderly preserved by her three sons-in-law, Mickey Mullis of Grand Ridge, FL, Jim Kelly of Bryn Mawr, PA, and Mike Smith of Grand Ridge, FL, as well as by her caring nephews and nieces, Bruce, Lloyd Jr., Charles, Emma, Shirley, and Carol, including those she selflessly raised as her own.
A lifelong homemaker, Lou took great pride and joy in nurturing the comforts of her home alongside her five beloved cats. Her interests extended beyond the warmth of her hearth; she relished the simple pleasures of fishing and camping with friends and family, tending to her garden, and swaying to music in moments of leisurely dance and gathering.
Lou Ida’s community ties were strong and heartfelt, as she valued her conversations and shared joys with special neighbors and friends, Les and Brenda Hand and Bud and Barbara Blankenship. Her enduring friendship with her childhood companion, Alma, was a testament to a bond that grew only more cherished with time.
Lou Ida’s presence was a gift—one that will continue to inspire and guide us even as we hold her in our memories. Her departure is a delicate thread pulled from the tapestry of our lives, yet the pattern she helped to weave remains vibrant and strong. Lou Ida Hicks has left us richer for her time with us, and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her vibrant spirit.
There will be a Celebration of Lou Ida’s life service on Friday, May 24, 2024, in the chapel of McAlpin Funeral Home beginning at 2:00 PM Central Time. Ther will be a time of visitation for friends and family beginning at 1:00 PM Central Time, one hour prior to the service. Lou Ida will be laid to rest in Pope Cemetery immediately following the celebration of life service.
