Jewel H. “Judy” Hicks, 96, formerly of South Whitley, died at 1:05 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City. She had been a resident at The Oaks since August 2012.

She was born Sept. 24, 1918, in Emberson, Texas a daughter of Luther Cromwell and Lilly Bertha (Smith) Harrison. She graduated from Annona High School, Paris Junior College and Drawns Business College.

On Oct. 24, 1943, she was united in marriage to William S. Hicks in Washington D.C. They made their home in Manhattan, N.Y. until 1962, when they moved to the Bronx. In 1968, they moved to Yonkers until 1994, when they moved to South Whitley. Mr. Hicks died May 31, 1995.

While living in Washington D.C., Judy worked for the FBI from 1940 until 1943. In 1950, she began her publishing career with Bill Brothers in New York and in 1973, with Value Circulation until 1985 when she worked for Ashlee Publishing Company, retiring in 1993, as circulation manager.

Her memberships included Laurel Chapter of Order of the Eastern Star in New York City, American Legion Auxiliary in New York, AARP and the Episcopal Church of New York. She received her Indian name “Breaking Waves Woman” in 2013.

Surviving relatives include a son: William S. (Jane) Hicks, Larwill; three grandchildren: Tamara (Randall) Studebaker, South Whitley; Cherie (James) Hartman: South Whitley; and James (Ginger) Hicks, Larwill; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Two brothers: Leroy P. Harrison; and Luther C. Harrison; and a sister: Joyce C. Harrison; preceded her in death.

The funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, May 25, at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with an Eastern Star service. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home before the service. Burial will take place at a later date at Church of the Mediator in Bronx, N.Y.

Preferred memorials are to Humane Society of Whitley County.