Obituaries for Fri., Aug. 16

Published 11:48 am Friday, August 16, 2019

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LAURA ELIZABETH “SPEAKY” HICKS

Laura Elizabeth “Speaky” Hicks, 95, originally of River Fall, died Tue., Aug. 13, at her home in Dothan.

Celebration of Life services will be observed on Sat., Aug. 17, 2019, at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in the Straughn Community at 11 a.m.

Jim Hicks (a Stephen Minister), her dear friend and Christian mentor will officiate. The family will gather one hour prior to the service and following family prayer (The Lord’s Prayer) at the graveside, Mt. Zion is graciously providing them lunch.

Speaky and her husband Raymond were deeply dedicated to the Mt. Zion Church for many, many years.

Speaky was preceded in death by the love of her life of 64 years, Raymond D. Hicks originally of Antioch, Ala., brother Anford, and sisters Josephine, Marguerite, Georgette, and grandson-in-law Shaun Morgan. Survivors include their two children, Donald R. Hicks (sp. Onur Aktulgali -Hicks) of Los Angeles, Cali., Cindi Rider Cross (sp. Tony Cross) of Andalusia, and Sally Thomasson, her sister, of Mary Ester, Fla. Tom Rider and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her grandchildren are Gray J. Rider (sp. Jennifer Rider), Micah T. Rider, Lane C. Rider (sp. Catherine), Caitlin E. Rider (sp. Kashif), R. Luke Rider (sp. Olivia), Noah J. Rider. Great-grandchildren are Emily Rider, Rachel Rider, Justin Rider, and Aubrey Rider.

Speaky was a friend to so many. She was famous for her “cackling laughter,” her ability to talk with anyone, and genuine love for people. Her travels with her husband allowed her to form relationships across cultures, geographies, and languages.

Speaky loved her Lord Jesus Christ and ascribed to His lifestyle of love. She enjoyed cooking for friends and family, gardening, and family gatherings and anything Auburn.

Those who know her can appreciate that in lieu of flowers, she would love for you to join her in supporting her favorite ministries, Wycliffe Bible Translators and The Salvation Army. Donations may also be made in honor of her to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.