Catherine "Cathy" Dean Hicks

Cathy was a longtime resident of Jamestown, North Carolina, before moving to Georgia in 2022 to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Wherever life took her, Cathy had a special way of making people feel welcome, loved, and at home.

Cathy was born on May 11, 1946, in Albany, Georgia, to Joel Jackson Dean and Mary Catherine Gillespie Dean. She was raised in Albany Georgia, and she attended the University of Georgia, where she became a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and remained an active and devoted alumna throughout much of her life.

During college, Cathy met the love of her life, Burry Little “Chip” Hicks. The two were married on June 5, 1966, in the chapel at First Methodist Church in Albany. Together, Cathy and Chip shared more than 50 years of marriage and built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, friendship, and community. They raised their two children, Bill and Sandy, and created countless cherished memories along the way.

After they married, Cathy and Chip began their life together in Atlanta. Chip’s career later took them to Birmingham, Alabama; Jamestown, North Carolina; back to Atlanta; and eventually back to Jamestown, where they spent many happy decades. Cathy and Chip built a wonderful life and formed lasting friendships within the close-knit community of Forestdale East in Jamestown.

Cathy devoted many years to raising her family as a stay-at-home mother. She later began a successful 25-year career with Ciba, Novartis, and Syngenta. She brought the same warmth, dedication, and genuine interest in people to her work that she brought to every part of her life.

After 37 years in Jamestown, Cathy moved to St. George Village in Roswell in 2022, allowing her to spend more time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson. Family was always at the heart of Cathy’s life, and the time she shared with them brought her tremendous joy.

Cathy never met a stranger. She was a gracious Southern lady whose warm smile, kind heart, and welcoming nature made everyone feel special. She had a gift for bringing people together and was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Cathy was deeply involved in her church, where she sang in the choir, and she generously gave her time to fundraising efforts for local clubs and charities. She enjoyed playing bridge with dear friends, traveling, and sharing good times, laughter, and meaningful conversations with those she loved.

Over the years, Cathy was fortunate to enjoy many wonderful travels and adventures, but some of her happiest moments were the simple ones—gathering with family and friends, celebrating special occasions, and creating memories that will be treasured for generations.

Cathy is survived by her two children, Bill (Sheila) of Alpharetta, Georgia, and Sandy (Jerry) of Alpharetta, Georgia; her four grandchildren, Conner (Cali), Tyler (Maggie), Brodie, and Addison; and her great-grandson, Collin. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Libby; and her beloved husband, Chip.

A memorial service celebrating Cathy’s life will be held for her Georgia family and friends at Roswell United Methodist Church on August 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

The family will also hold a Celebration of Life in Jamestown, North Carolina. Details will be shared with Cathy’s North Carolina friends soon.

Cathy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her kindness, grace, warmth, and joyful spirit touched countless lives, and the world will be a little less bright without her. Though she will be profoundly missed, her love and the beautiful memories she created will remain forever in the hearts of her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to ALS research or the American Cancer Society.