Nettie Evans Hicks of Shreveport passed away Saturday, Feb. 14 after suffering a sudden, devastating stroke. She was born Oct. 21, 1938, in Plain Dealing.
She was preceded in death by her first husband of 44 years, Charles Larry Evans, from Ringgold in 2001.
In 2007, she married Charles Edward Hicks Sr. of Coushatta. He passed away July 3, 2014.
Her parents, A.R. and Nora Weaver of Dixie Inn, preceded her in death. She also has numerous siblings who have passed away. They are Alvis Weaver of Oak Grove and Hershell Weaver from Petal, Mississippi, Mary Hall of Stone Mountain, Georgia and Lois Anderson of Shreveport.
She is survived by two loving daughters, Brenda Evans Kennon and husband, Ed from Shreveport and Barbara Evans Lebel from Bossier City. She leaves behind three beautiful granddaughters. They are Brittany Lebel Adams and husband, Skip, of New Orleans, Blair Lebel and fiancé, Michael Miller of Shreveport and Kari Kennon of Houston, Texas. She also is survived by a close niece, Jan Dorian Bawol and husband, Rich of Hanceville, Alabama.
Another close family member is Nora Orr of Bossier City. She has been a lifelong friend and supporter during this most difficult time.
She has one surviving brother, Malcolm Weaver and wife, Nelwyn of Shreveport and their two children, Debbie Weaver Dietrich and husband, Todd from Haughton and Michael Weaver of Pittsburg, Texas. Other family members are nephews, David Weaver of Bossier City and Bryan Rhodes of Bossier City; nieces, Millie Thompson and husband, Lee of Camp Verde, Arizona and Jean Ratcliff and husband, Cliff, of Abbeville, Missippi.
There are also survivors from the Hicks family. They are Linda and Jack Barbo of Coushatta, Dale and Heather Jones, of Stonewall, Chad and Brandie Sharpley of Frierson and, brother-in-law David Hicks, and wife, Edna of Benton.
She will be deeply missed by so many more family members, friends and acquaintances. She was a special lady who showed
tremendous strength and grace during her darkest hours.
Nettie Evans Hicks lived in Minden for many years with her husband and daughters. She worked as secretary at Lowe Jr. High School for more than 15 years.
She was always a willing volunteer for many humanitarian causes. After her husband was transferred to Dublin, Georgia for his work with Southeast Paper in 1979, she immersed herself in many activities that she truly loved. She was a member and dedicated volunteer for the Garden Club in Dublin, Georgia. She volunteered on blood drives, worked at various schools, cooked and served meals for the needy. These are just a few of her many good deeds. She was a self-taught artist and she could cook, sew, draw and decorate the most beautiful cakes. She won many awards in flower arranging and cake decorating. She had innumerable abilities and talent.
Nettie was a very humble, honest and kind woman who found the greatest joy in life’s simplest pleasures. She was happiest when she was surrounded by family and friends. She loved animals and nature and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. She was fiercely devoted and loyal to those she loved. Her favorite activity was
cooking meals for her family on birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. She was an impeccable cook and hostess.
She and her husband returned to Shreveport in 1996 after his retirement in Dublin, Georgia. In the last few years, her health severely declined. She was required to endure hemodialysis for several years. Dr. Randall White, his PA Susan Midyett and the kind staff at DCI made this difficult time bearable. Dr. White was there until the end and the family is so thankful and blessed to know him. Words cannot express their immense gratitude and appreciation.
The family would also like to thank Dr. Paul “Corky” Davis for his support and attention to her cardiac needs. Dr. Jack Ferrell was so patient, kind and attentive in his treatment for her broken shoulder. Cheryl Wheeler was there for her and the family as she drew her final breaths. She brought tremendous solace and comfort during these last difficult moments. The family would like to thank Dr. Nicolas Batterton and Dr. Tano for graciously assisting in her final care.
Kandace Stroo and “Always Best Care,” were her divine angels during the last few months. The sitters, Charnell Randle, LaQueta Harvey and Mary Gates were devoted to her and the family until the very end. Their companionship, friendship and loyalty will never be forgotten. They brightened and inspired her life and the lives of the family members.
Nettie Hicks’ funeral and visitation is set for 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. The visitation will be from 1:30 until 2:45 p.m. before the funeral. Bill Hines of Coushatta will be officiating her final service and celebration of her life.
Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden.