Betty Jean Baker Hicks, age 94, of Jacksonville, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 24, 2026. She was born in Moultrie, Georgia, on May 13,1932, to William John Baker and Hazel Victoria (Kinard) Baker. She had lived in Jacksonville since she was a young teenager. 
Betty was introduced to Jesse “Jack” C. Hicks, Jr. by a mutual friend, and they were married for 67 years. 
As a new homemaker, Betty enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, and making her house a home while helping Jack build it. She loved spending time with her dear cousin, Louise. She also enjoyed playing the piano, refinishing antiques, art lessons with Jack, traveling, and camping with friends. During her golden years, she found comfort in listening to her favorite gospel music and programs. On several occasions, she called West Jacksonville Baptist Church and was on air.
Betty was lovingly known as "Mother" to her three daughters. She was "Grandmother" and "Grandmama" to six grandchildren, "Greatmama" to sixteen, and "Great-Great-Mama" to four.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse “Jack” C. Hicks, Jr.; son-in-law, Mac Sweat; grandsons, Jacob Sweat and Caleb Sweat; and cousin, Louise Bahl. Survivors include daughters, Teresa "Terry" Perrigo (Dave Sr.), Donna Sweat and Brenda Robertson (Tim); grandchildren, Michelle Hasseld (David), David Perrigo, Jr., Laura Padalik (Patrick), and Robert "Michael" Hunter, Jr. (Christie); great-grandchildren, Britney Park, Logan Perrigo, Hannah Kimbro (Isaiah), Mason Perrigo, Elissa Sweat, Jaxson Sweat, Taylor Sweat, Austin Chipoletti, Hunter Chipoletti, Carter Padalik, Tanner Padalik, Parker Padalik, Braden Padalik, Reagan Padalik, Dillan Padalik, and Abigail Hunter; great-great-grandchildren, Grady McGowan, Dutton Park, Casen Chipoletti, and Hailey Padalik; cousin, Carolyn Bahl; as well as extended family and friends.
Graveside services will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Jacksonville Memory Gardens, 111 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, Florida 32073, with Reverend Adam Bigelow officiating. The family will receive friends at the graveside from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to West Jacksonville Baptist Church, 5634 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205, and/or New Testament Christian Church, 384 Logan Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32065.
As Betty, our Mother, would say, "Bye-Bye for now."
Arrangements entrusted to the dedicated care of BLACKBURN-CURRY FUNERAL AND CREMATION, 380 N. Lowder Street, Macclenny, Florida 32063. 904-259-2806.