Diane Hicks' Obituary
Diane Hicks, 76, of Chattanooga, passed away Sunday, June 29, 2025, in a local health facility. She was a graduate of Riverside High School and a former Board Member of the NAACP and Operation P.U.S.H. As a member of Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Sister Hicks worked with the Youth Department under the leadership of Brother Reginald Pointdexter. She worked for Memorial Hospital as a CNA and after 18 years retired due to illness.
Diane was preceded in death by her devoted son, John “Tim” Hambrick; parents, Sylvester and Florence Hicks; sisters, Magnesia Armour, Lorene Dozier, (twins) Sandra Jean Hicks and Gloria Jean Dupree; brother, John Hicks; cousin, Willie “Billy” Johnson; and devoted friend, Nancy Hicks.
Diane, the last living child of Sylvester and Florence, stood as the beloved matriarch of our family. She was a pillar of strength, compassion, and grace—holding her children and grandchildren in the highest regard. To her nieces and nephews, she was more than an aunt; she was a mother figure, forming unique and cherished bonds with each one. With Diane, love and correction were never separate. She could gently guide you with wisdom while wrapping you in unwavering affection. Even in chastisement, she never showed anger—only love, understanding, and a desire to see us grow. As the family historian, Diane kept our roots alive. She shared beautiful, heartfelt stories about our grandparents and parents, ensuring our legacy lived on through each generation. Her love for cooking brought us together around the table, and her desserts were nothing short of heavenly. Diane was the driving force behind our family reunions, always making sure we stayed connected. She extended her care far beyond her household, offering support and kindness to anyone in need—family or not. Her selfless love was especially evident in the care she gave to her niece, La’Vester Hicks, up until the time of her illness. A lover of all kinds of music and a devoted fan of Big Brother and Survivor, Diane found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her presence was a gift to us all, and her legacy of love, family, and compassion will forever live in our hearts.
Diane leaves to cherish her loving memories her son, Michael (Shameka) Stephens, Sr.; grandchildren, Jacque Hambrick, Michael Stephens Jr., India Stephens, Jerison Qualls, Breasha Elder, and BriChale Giles; great-grandchildren, Kaciyen and Kashmyre Stephens, Greyson, Rome, Khloe and Kali Brooks; nieces, Sonia (Phillip) Fields, Shirley Russell, Veronica Russell, Sherelle Russell, Regina (Charles) Cook, Belinda Cook, Samansela Blount, Diane Brown, Annette Dozier, La’Vester Hicks; great-niece, Tracey (William) Brown; nephews, Charles (CeCe) Beard, Michael (Angia) Armour, Dana Hicks, Daryl Armour, William Johnson and James Welcher; devoted cousins, Douglas (Anna Jean) Hicks, Robert (Patricia) Bailey, and Joyce Russell; godsister, Barbara Joyce Bates; godchildren, Apostle Odell, Marcia (Kevin) Robinson, Edward Lawler, Robert Snelling; special friends, Jacci Lawson, Pastor Anthony (Madalene) Williams and family, Angela Hudson, Brother Alex Rucker, and Brother Timothy Rivers.
Diane will lie-in-state on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon in the chapel with Pastor Anthony Williams as Eulogist. Burial in Forest Hills Cemetery.
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