Harriet Kicklighter

Harriet Hutson Kicklighter, age 102, passed peacefully from this life on January 14, 2026. A beloved wife, mother, and devoted servant to her community and church, Harriet lived a life marked by faith, service, and quiet strength.

Harriet was born on May 4, 1923, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Samuel and Estelle Hutson. She attended the College of Charleston and, during World War II, contributed to the war effort by working at the Port of Disembarkation. Following the war, she relocated to Newark, New Jersey, where she held clerical positions at the airport and later with a brokerage firm. Like many women of her generation, she willingly stepped aside when returning servicemen reclaimed their positions.

Harriet eventually moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where she began a career with Prudential Insurance Company in the Claims Department, training in Newark before returning to Florida. She worked there for five years before marrying the love of her life, Clayton Kicklighter, in 1953. Together they welcomed one daughter, Pamela H. Kicklighter, the joy of Harriet’s life.

In 1965, Harriet returned to school at Jacksonville University, earning her Bachelor of Science degree. She went on to teach fourth grade for approximately five years, continuing her lifelong commitment to education and service.

Harriet was deeply involved in civic and community organizations throughout her life, including the League of Women Voters, the Head Start program, The Woman’s Club of Jacksonville, and the GFWC Orange Park Woman’s Club, where she served as Parliamentarian and the President. Her dedication was recognized when she was named Woman of the Year by the Orange Park Woman’s Club in 2002. Harriet also volunteered for over 30 years at Orange Park Medical Center where she received the President’s Pin for her service. Harriet was also a 50 year member of the Order of Eastern Star and a Past Worthy Matron of the Scottish Rite chapter in Jacksonville.

A woman of strong faith, Harriet was an active member of Ortega United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School to teenage boys. In 1980, she and Clayton moved to Orange Park and became members of Orange Park Methodist Church, where they remained faithful participants.

Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton Kicklighter, and her daughter, Pamela H. Kicklighter.

Funeral services will be held on January 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge, with Pastor Dr. Charles Lever officiating. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society, Orange Park Methodist Church, or the Residing Hope Methodist Children’s Home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Legacy Lodge Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, located at 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL, 32207, United States. The service is scheduled for January 20, 2026, from 11:00 am.