Margaret Juanita Hicks

Margaret “Juanita” Ruth Leonard Hicks, 85, passed away at her residence during the morning hours of Tuesday (March 8, 2016) after several years of declining health surrounded by her loving family. Juanita was born in Mendota, Virginia on January 7, 1931 to the late A. P. and Martha Ellen Shaffer Leonard.

Juanita was a graduate of Blountville High School, and retired from ITT North Electric and Univac. She was a member of Charity Baptist Church in Blountville, but attended Lighthouse Baptist Church in Jonesborough when her health permitted.

Juanita was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a Godly and virtuous woman that loved her family and friends beyond measure, taught her children right from wrong and to always show honor and respect to others. She supported her family by always being there for them, disciplined with love and a firm but fair hand when needed, and worked hard and stayed busy so long as she possibly could. She enjoyed playing games with her children and grandchildren. Wayne and Juanita enjoyed many years of life together, not only working hard and providing for their family, but riding bicycles, hiking, camping and league bowling together. Their children and grandchildren saw the sweet love that seemed to grow even deeper, as they held hands, kissed and told each other “I love you”. We all watched Wayne taking such good care of her as her body grew weaker and weaker. Juanita had fun with everyone, even going so far as rolling her own yard on Halloween with the neighborhood kids, or sleigh riding and warming up around the bonfire with all the neighborhood gang.

Her passing will leave such a void in our lives, but what a blessed life we have had because she was with us. She will be forever loved and always missed by all that knew her. To be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord means this is not “goodbye” but is a “see you later!” WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE.

In addition to her parents, Juanita was preceded in death by her loving grandson, Mark Christopher Poss; twin great-grandchildren, Daryn and Hope Rice; two brothers, Albert Lester Leonard and Narvel Trenton Leonard; sister, Eva Leonard Ketron; father and mother-in-law, William Miller Hicks and Margaret “Mag” Tallman Hicks; brothers-in-law, R. J. Woods, Alfred “Doc” Ketron and Ernest “Bud” Hicks; sisters-in-law, Mildred Vance Leonard, Juanita Hicks Cross, and Ailene Hicks Rhea; nephew, Ricky Woods; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Survivors include her loving husband, Wayne Lewis Hicks, with whom she would have celebrated 66 years of marriage on March 25th; two daughters, Patricia Poss & husband Ronald of Blountville and Deborah Cleek & husband Perry of Kingsport; son, Daniel Hicks of Kingsport; two grandsons, Bradley Hicks of Kingsport and John Hicks & wife Elizabeth; a great-grandson, Bryce Hicks of Johnson City; her very special grand-daughter, Susan Wampler blessed her with two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Maggie Rice, who were Juanita’s “pride and joy” and who “gave her reason to live as long as she did.” To them she was always “other mamaw”; two sisters, Thelma Woods of Kingsport and Madge Garland & husband Johnny of Blountville; sister-in-law, Mellagay Walters of Kingsport; the children of Juanita’s best friend, Eloise Milhorn (deceased), Betty (Ernie) Mosley and Jack (Cheryl) Milhorn have always been loved and considered to be another daughter and son; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

The family will receive friends on Thursday (March 10, 2016) from 5 to 7 p.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral services will immediately follow with Juanita’s son-in-law and Pastor, Perry Cleek, officiating. Special music will be provided by granddaughter, Susan Wampler and Pastor Perry.

Committal services will be held Friday (March 11, 2016) at 11 a.m. in the Garden of Love at East Lawn Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers will be grandsons, Brad and John Hicks; nephews, Jerry Blair and Teddy Ketron; and friends and neighbors Jack Milhorn and Ernie Mosley. Honorary pallbearers will be great-grandsons, Jacob Rice and Bryce Hicks and great-granddaughter, Maggie Rice.

Online condolences may be made to the Hicks family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Hicks family.