Emily Hicks Anderson

Friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Emily’s life during visitation from 12:30 PM until 2:00 PM on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Collier-Butler Funeral Home. A funeral service honoring her life will follow at 2:00 PM in the chapel.

Emily was a devoted mother, loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, and friend whose kindness touched countless lives. She possessed a rare gift for making friends wherever she went and loved others unconditionally. Her compassionate heart was evident throughout her life, especially in her work as a Licensed Practical Nurse, where she dedicated herself to caring for and helping others.

Emily faced her illness with remarkable courage, grace, and determination. Even during life’s most difficult moments, she continued to think of others before herself, offering love, encouragement, and strength to those around her. Her resilience and unwavering spirit were an inspiration to all who knew her.

Emily found joy in the beauty of God’s creation and loved spending time outdoors. She enjoyed planting flowers, drawing, and painting, and she had a special love for music, the beach, the mountains, and peaceful days spent by the creek. Her warm smile, caring spirit, and generous heart made a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Emily’s greatest joy was her family, especially her daughters, Bailey Stimpson, Olivia Anderson, and Marleigh Anderson, whom she loved beyond measure.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, James Curtis Watts, Sr. and David Gerald Hicks; her brother, Sgt. Jason R. Harkins; Cody Stimpson; her chosen sister, Leighanne Nichols; her uncle, John Paul Hicks; and her cousin, Cody Starr Richardson.

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved daughters, Bailey Stimpson, Olivia Anderson, and Marleigh Anderson; her mother, April Watts Harkins and husband, Robert; her father, David Hicks; her brothers, Scott Hicks and wife, Jessica, and Matthew Harkins; her sister, Katie Hicks Maiden and husband, Josh; her grandmothers, JoAnn Watts and Lupe Hicks; and her cherished nieces and nephews, Addi Jayne Brown, Lily Maiden, Braylin Wester, David Clay Hicks, Lyla Rae Hicks, Sam Harkins, Wyatt Harkins, Jameson Harkins, and Thomas Harkins.

Emily is also survived by her aunts, Jill Watts, Jenny Pitts, Rachel Watts, Deana Jackson, Debbie Pearson, and Cathey Hicks; her uncles, Jamie Watts, Kevin Jackson, and Jarret Pearson; as well as numerous cousins, extended family members, and many dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Kristen Starbuck and the oncology staff at Emory Cancer Center at Midtown, as well as the staff of Comfort Care at Northside Forsyth Hospital, for the compassionate care provided to Emily. A special thank you is extended to Candace Montgomery for her devoted care, love, friendship, and unwavering support throughout Emily’s journey.

The family would also like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Owen Funeral Home in Cartersville and the staff of Collier-Butler Funeral Home for their professionalism, compassion, kindness, and support during this difficult time. Additionally, the family is deeply grateful to the many family members and friends who have surrounded them with love, prayers, encouragement, and acts of kindness throughout Emily’s journey.

Though Emily’s time on earth was far too short, the love she shared, the lives she touched, and the memories she created will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her forever. Her legacy of compassion, kindness, and unconditional love will continue through the family she cherished and the countless lives she touched.