Dona Hicks

Dona Loyce Hicks, age 56, of Cleveland, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at home with her daughter and family members at her side.

Dona was born on July 5, 1967 in Cleveland, TN. She lived in Benton, TN most of her life and attended Benton Elementary and Polk County High School. She was a believer in Jesus Christ and was baptized as a teenager.

Dona will be remembered for the joy she found in simple things-like a nice clean house and her heart for animals. She made the best French dip and turtle cheesecake and greatly enjoyed her flowers and the birds in her yard. She always enjoyed going to the beach and her dream spot was Surfside in South Carolina.

Just like each of us, life for Dona had its struggles but her work ethic and care for those she loved were simply unmatched. She was industrious and had many talents and skills that she shared with family and friends. She was a true "persister" in this life on Earth.

We celebrate her legacy and the greater days of peace and joy she is now experiencing in heaven where she will catch up with family who have gone before her, including: her beloved Grandpa, Albert Boring, and Granny, Needa Boring; her mother, Rebecca Boring and father, James "Frog" Hicks; paternal grandparents, Leland and Nora Hicks. She was also preceded in death by her uncles, Cooper Rogers and David Evans.

Left to cherish and honor her memory are her daughter, Kirby Martin Gentry (Brad Gladson), and her grand-daughter, her "Pearl", Ava Gentry. She will also be sorely missed by her siblings, Carole Hicks, and Brenda Hicks Maynard of Cleveland, Chris Jones of Etowah and Jackie Jones of Benton, and aunts, Martha "Donnie" Rogers of Cleveland, Colleen McDonald (Carl) of Benton, Iris McNeely of Calhoun, Nell Satterfield of McDonald, and step-mother, Dean Hicks of Cleveland; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and other extended family.

Per Dona's request, there will be no formal services. She didn't like a fuss. For those who would like to do something in her memory, please consider a donation to a ministry of your choice, perhaps one that cares for animals, or women who need a little encouragement in life. The family extends a great deal of appreciation to all who have expressed love and support for Dona during these difficult days.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Dona or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.