Jeannine Hicks

Lenita Jeannine Hicks was born August 18, 1937, in Livingston, Texas, to Chloe Hooks Smith and William Doyle Smith. Her family later made their home in East Houston, where Jeannine grew up alongside her younger sister, Janelle, and younger brother, Billy.

Jeannine first attended Humble High School and later attended the newly built M.B. Smiley High School, graduating there in 1955. She was active and involved from an early age. She was a cheerleader, played basketball, participated in band and drama, and was even voted Most Athletic and Homecoming Queen.

Some of Jeannine’s most remarkable friendships began even earlier, during her elementary school years. Nellie, Dorris, Peggy, Billy Bernese and Marilynn were among those childhood friends, and those friendships endured for more than 80 years, carrying them through nearly every season of life together.

After high school, Jeannine attended East Texas Baptist College, where she met Tommy Charles Hicks. Their relationship began beneath a tree on campus where they would sit and talk—a place that became known as their “courting tree.”

Jeannine later attended Sam Houston State University. On June 11, 1960, she and Tom were married, beginning a life together that would span decades.

Jeannine began her career as a middle school English teacher in San Antonio. While working full time and raising two young daughters, she earned her master’s degree from Trinity University. After the family moved to Houston, she became an Educational Diagnostician.

Through it all, Jan and Rhonda remained the center of her world. One Friday night might find Jeannine and Tom stopping to feed Rhonda’s pig on their way to a Stratford football game to watch Jan perform at halftime with the Stratford Spartanaires. It was a busy life, but they were always there for their girls.

In 1987, Jeannine and Tom returned to Town Bluff and Tom’s family land—40 acres that had been part of his family for generations. They made their home in the house where Tom was born, adding to it and updating it through the years while preserving its history.

And what a gathering place that home became. Jeannine hosted countless celebrations there—historical home tours, family reunions, high school reunions, holiday gatherings, and many other occasions that brought people together. The house held a great deal of history, but Jeannine made sure it was also filled with new memories.

Family remained an important part of Jeannine’s life. She shared a close and lasting bond with her younger sister, Janelle Smith Goheen. Her younger brother, Billy Smith, who passed away many years ago, always held a very dear place in her heart.

Her nephews—Paul, Dean, Eric, Mike, Darren, Trent, Wendell and Bill—were also an important part of her life, as were their wives and families. She took great pleasure in watching the family grow through the generations.

Jeannine’s family also included Rhonda’s husband, Stephen Ferris, whom she held very dear.

And then there was Taylor.

The bond between Jeannine and her only granddaughter, Taylor Ferris Ruiz, was truly one of a kind. Taylor held a place in her grandmother’s heart that words cannot quite capture. Jeannine took tremendous pride in her, delighted in being part of her life, and was so happy to see Taylor marry Adam Ruiz III and begin building a family of her own.

Jeannine knew before she passed that another generation was on its way. Her first great-grandchild is expected at the end of November. Although she will not be here to hold that baby as everyone had hoped, that little one will grow up surrounded by the stories, traditions and family Jeannine helped create.

Jeannine lived a full life—one filled with family, lifelong friendships, education, travel, gatherings and traditions. She had a gift for bringing people together, whether it was a large reunion at Town Bluff or simply having family around the table.

Her faith was an important part of her life and gives us comfort now.

When Jeannine passed away in the early morning hours of September 19, 2026, she left behind a family who will miss her tremendously. But she had also spent these last years missing someone herself.

Tom.

It is comforting to think that after all those years apart, Jeannine is with him again—along with her parents, her brother Billy, and so many family members and friends who went before her.

And perhaps there is something especially fitting about remembering where Jeannine and Tom’s story began.

Two young people sitting beneath a tree at East Texas Baptist College, talking and getting to know one another beneath what would forever be remembered as their courting tree.

From that simple beginning came a marriage, two daughters, a granddaughter, and now a great-grandchild on the way. There were careers and moves, football games and pigs, 40 acres and an old family home filled with celebrations, and more than a lifetime of memories.

And today, we find comfort in believing that Jeannine and Tom are together again.

What she leaves behind can be seen in the family gathered here, in friendships that lasted more than eighty years, and in the countless memories that will continue to be told.

What a wonderful life to remember.