Jackie Pendleton Hicks, 79, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025 surrounded by her children, feeling that same love she so freely gave throughout her life. Jackie was born in Nash County, NC on November 23, 1945, to the late Henry Johnson "Jack" Pendleton and Beatrice "Beat" Winstead Pendleton.
In addition to her parents, Jackie is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Graham Hicks, her cousin, Wayne Boone, and her granddaughter Ashley Leigh Jones.
Jackie is survived by her daughter, Michelle Hicks-Evans (John); her son, Michael Hicks (Julianne); her grandchildren, Courtney Jones, Brittany Elliott, Josiah, Sadie, Sam and MaeLeigh Hicks; her great-grandchildren, Nataleigh and Michael Mahoney, Madelyn and Frederick Elliott; her brother, Earl Pendleton (Sabrina); her half-brother, Craig Pendleton (Tina); her special caretaker, Cindy J. Pendleton (Ricky) as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jackie graduated from Franklinton High School in 1964, where she shined on the basketball court as a gifted athlete and served as team Captain her senior year. In her younger years, she enjoyed working with her mother and family at "Jack's Grill", which became a local treasure, where music and dancing brought people together every week. Growing up around music, she occasionally sang alongside her father who had a weekly WHNC radio program that aired on Saturday mornings, a band that performed regularly, as well as his own recording label.
She devoted her life to being a stay-at-home mom who taught her children right from wrong, not just with words but through the way she lived. She also shared her love for life and fun with the children she cared for many years. Her faith in God was the foundation of her life. She modeled grace, love, empathy, and strength every single day. She was a faithful Christian and often quoted the Bible to show the way to salvation. She was also a member of Freedom Life Church in Henderson. Jackie enjoyed working in her garden. Her kitchen was often filled with smells of the scratch made dishes that her family grew to love. She was an excellent cook. She loved spending time and having fun with her family and enjoyed making every occasion special.
Jackie Ann (Jan) was married to the love of her life, Charles Graham Hicks for 57 years, until his passing. Their love was a living example of partnership, devotion, and joy that overflowed and touched everyone around them. Together they created a home filled with laughter, music, faith and deep connection. She was a beautiful example of kindness, love and warmth to her family. Her laughter was contagious, her spirit bubbly, and her ability to make everyone feel seen and loved will be missed tremendously. The endless memories, and lessons etched by a kind heart and positive light will be forever embedded in the hearts of all of those who loved and knew her.
The family will receive friends and visitors on Sunday, August 31, 2025 from 2 - 2:45 p.m. at Lancaster's Franklinton Chapel, 504 E. Mason St. Franklinton, NC 27525, where funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. with Reverend Jeff Prewer officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Paid obituary |
