Gayle Byrd Hicks

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home, 12830 US 70 Business Highway West, Clayton, North Carolina, with Pastor Mitch Lockamy and Pastor Ryan Guzouskis officiating. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the funeral home, prior to the service.

She was born September 20, 1947 in Johnston County to the late Hebron Byrd and the late Beulah Whitley Byrd. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Hebron Byrd Jr. and his wife, Noriko; and her beloved stillborn infant son, Kevin Christopher Hicks.

She attended Mount Olive and Hardbarger College and retired after 34 years with the Department of Transportation - a job that she truly loved.

A proud mother and Nana, she gave herself selflessly to her family and so many others. An avid bible reader of every morning, with a servant's heart for the Lord - she found joy in helping others.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Linwood Payton Hicks; two daughters, Amanda Worthington (Joey) of Cary and their two children, Harrison and Grant; Kristi Beasley (Stephen) of Clayton and their two children, Sutton and Hannah Kate; a nephew, Erick Byrd and wife Candice and their two sons, Anderson & Everett; and a niece, Mira Moss and husband Joe and their two sons, Tommy and Charlie.

Online condolences may be made to the family at: www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com.

Memorial donations may be made in her memory to her beloved church of 38 years, Shiloh Baptist Church, Garner North Carolina 27529 or to the SECU Hospice House of Smithfield, North Carolina.

McLaurin Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Hicks family.