Gaynelle Wheeler Hickey

Gaye was born to John and Girthel Wheeler on January 1, 1945 in the community of Hightogy, Alabama, and grew up as a preacher’s kid in several towns throughout the southeastern United States. She was a graduate of Georgia Christian High School in Valdosta, GA. Gaye returned to college as an adult and graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, IN with a degree in Social Work.

Gaye is survived by her husband Curtis Hickey. Gaye and Curt met while she was working, and he was a student at Freed Hardeman University in Henderson, TN. Gaye and Curt were lovingly married for more than 54 years. Curt was a devoted caregiver to Gaye through her debilitating physical struggles over a long period of time.

Gaye’s life is celebrated by her two children and their spouses, Lori Hickey Buckner and husband Chip of Mt. Juliet, TN, and Stephen Hickey and wife Tina of Nashville, TN, two grandchildren, Nash and Chloe of Mt. Juliet, TN and bonus grandson Jake of Mt. Juliet, TN. She was preceded in death by her son Brandon Hickey, and her father and mother, John and Girthel Wheeler.

Gaye was the oldest of four children and is survived by her siblings who cherished her: brother Johnny Wheeler and wife Lu of Willard, Missouri, sister Rachelle Wheeler Johnson and husband Jerry of Amory, Mississippi, and brother Nic Wheeler and wife Diane of Hendersonville, Tennessee. She is also survived by many others who loved her; brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as countless friends throughout the country.

Gaye was known for her love of people. She loved her husband Curt most of all. She loved her children and grandchildren, her siblings, and all her extended family. She loved her friends. She loved to laugh, entertain and to have guests in her home. She practiced her love of people as a partner with Curt in his ministry, and as a Social Worker with the chemically dependent, poor and elderly in Alabama and Mississippi. She always said goodbye with “love you dear.”

Gaye was courageous throughout her struggles with Rheumatoid Arthritis over 40 years. Despite her pain, she had a remarkable attitude and was a joyful soul. Her faith never wavered, and she looked forward to a heavenly reunion with her son Brandon, her parents, grandparents, (especially her grandmother “Mama” Curry), and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends whom she dearly loved and preceded her on the journey home.

Arrangements are being made by Hermitage Funeral Home, www.hibbetthaileyfh.com. A private gathering for the immediate family will be held on Gaye’s birthday, January 1, 2021. A celebration of Gaye’s life will be held at the home of Chip and Lori in the spring or summer of 2021, dependent upon considerations regarding safe gatherings. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Rheumatology Research Foundation, online at rheumresearch.org, or by mail at Rheumatology Research Foundation, 2200 Lake Boulevard NE, Atlanta, GA 30319.