Mary Hicks

Mary Hicks, age 79, of Chapel Hill, Tennessee, passed away peacefully surrounded by her sons on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fayetteville, Tennessee. She was born in Marshall County and was a daughter of the late Lonnie B. and Anna Margaret Cole McCool. In addition to her parents, Mary was also preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Hicks, who died in 2011; sister, Lilly Perryman; brothers, Billy McCool and Bud McAdams; and grandsons, Trent Gentry and Brandon Gentry.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved her family deeply. Mary shared a special and cherished bond with her niece, Kathy Bicknell, one that brought her great joy throughout her life. She also treasured her friendships, enjoying many outings and creating lasting memories with those closest to her. She loved gathering with her Smyrna Baptist Church family and remained devoted to her faith, even after illness made it difficult for her to attend in person. In recent years, she found comfort and companionship in her beloved dog, Teensie.

Mary was especially known for her love of flowers and her remarkable creativity. She had a gift for transforming any garden into a Southern Living magazine cover. Her warmth, talent, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Over the years, she was very involved in Chapel Hill and the Lewisburg areas. She worked for the Town of Chapel Hill as an office administrator, an employee of First State Bank, and along with her husband, co-owners of Criggers Cleaners in Lewisburg. Mary also helped start the Pregnancy Resource Center of Marshall County.

Mrs. Hicks is survived by her three sons, Tony Gentry, Chapel Hill, TN, Tracy (April) Gentry, Winchester TN, Marty (Gwen) Gentry, Lynchburg, TN; sister; Betty Mitchell, Gardendale, AL; grandchildren, Zach (Mary) Gentry, Chase Gentry, Stephanie Gentry, Trevor (Kimmie) Gentry, Madison (Evan) Pittenger, Shelby (Zack) Hurst, Sydney Gentry, Skylar Gentry; ten great – grandchildren; many nieces and nephews who she cherished deeply.

Family members will receive friends on Monday, March 30, 2026 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Lawrence Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from the chapel of Lawrence Funeral Home with Rev. Tim McGehee officiating. Burial will follow in Swanson Cemetery in Chapel Hill.

Zach Gentry, Trevor Gentry, Rex Bicknell and Lonnie Perryman will serve as pallbearers.