Joy Belle Hicks

Our sweet Joy Belle Hicks departed this life on November 5, 2020. She was born on February 9, 1924 in Blanchard, Oklahoma to S.G. and Magnolia Smith. The youngest of six children, she graduated from Middleburg High School in 1942. She became pen pals with John Hicks while he was stationed at Ft. Sill and they married in 1944. They soon expanded their family, welcoming Betty Carola in 1945 and Karen Sue in 1948. Joy was a loving mother and homemaker, having taken in dozens of foster children over the years. She was a devout Methodist and raised her family in Putnam City United Methodist, transferring to St. Mark's United Methodist a few years later. She was an active member of United Methodist Women’s group and selflessly gave of her time to so many who needed it. When her husband was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, she became a support person for others in the same situation. She embodied her name, “Joy,” as she was just that – a joy to be around. She always had a huge smile on her face, played the piano by ear and loved to tell jokes and sing hymns and songs from her childhood. She is survived by her loving children, Betty Carola Smith of Bethany, Oklahoma; Karen Crockett and husband Jack of Vero Beach, Florida; three grandchildren, Brian Tipton, Jennifer Morgan and Gina Coogle; five great grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at Bill Merritt Funeral Service with interment to follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery.