Jayne Evelyn Evey-Hicks' Obituary
Jayne Evelyn (Willcockson) Evey-Hicks (76) of Forsyth, IL, born May 26, 1939 in Dunkirk, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and minister at DMH in Decatur, IL on Tuesday, January 26, 2016.
Jayne grew up in Mayville, NY, in a time and place near and dear to her heart. She graduated from Mayville Central School and completed Jamestown Business College in Jamestown, NY. She started her career as a secretary for the FBI in Buffalo. On a lark, she put in for a transfer to San Francisco and began another adventure in her life. It was there that she met and later married her first husband after moving to Decatur, IL.
Jayne made Decatur her home. She was a long-time and devoted member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Decatur. Jayne had a full and balanced life with family, friends, and work. She worked a number of years as a legal secretary at local law firms. Jayne later accepted a position with the State of Illinois as the administrative assistant to the Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, first in Macon County and later in Piatt County. She retired in 2008 under Judge John P. Shonkwiler, a man she greatly respected and admired.
Jayne married Harley Hicks, Jr. at St. John’s Episcopal Church on July 14, 2012. Jayne loved Harley so, and together, they shared many wonderful times and created new memories. They attended concerts, visited family and friends, participated in church activities, enjoyed local events, and traveled to St. Louis, Texas, New York, Alabama, out West, and to the New England states.
Jayne had a strong faith in God. She was patriotic and loved the United States of America. She was a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan and frequently attended the Cardinal Caravan and opening day at the ballpark. Jayne also enjoyed watching the Fighting Illini basketball team and doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles. She loved dogs and joked that “kids, dogs, and old men” always liked her.
Jayne battled a number of health problems, and throughout it all, she rarely complained and never, not once, asked, “Why me?” She fought hard and always maintained a strong and positive spirit.
Jayne was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She always maintained close ties with a wide range of friends spanning many decades and many places. She cared deeply for her husband, and as a mother, she was always interested and engaged in the well being of her children, loved them unconditionally, and was their greatest supporter. One of her greatest joys was becoming a grandmother. She loved her family, and we are thankful for our family reunion in 2015. Jayne is remembered for her caring nature, wonderful sense of humor, and adventurous spirit. She loved talking to and meeting up with her friends and always liked to have fun.
Jayne was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Evelyn (Block) Willcockson. She leaves behind her husband, Harley Hicks, Jr. of Forsyth; daughter, Linda Gaffron (Charlie Sams) of Forsyth; son, Richard (Andrea) Evey of Decatur; daughter, Leslie Evey of Decatur; step-daughter, Melinda (Ken) Griffith of Jasper, AL; grandchildren, Jackson Hogan and Amelia Evey of Decatur; brother, James (Joyce) Willcockson of Mayville, NY; sister, Jackie (James) Bond of Irving, Texas, three nieces, and one nephew. She is also survived by her former spouse and father of her children, Richard (Wanda) Evey, Sr. of Decatur. Jayne will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but we know that she is free of sickness and at peace now.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Father Richard Swan from St. John’s for always being there, to Dr. D. Patel, Dr. Eloy, and all the staff who cared for Jayne at DMH (especially in ICU and Intermediate), Dr. Newman and many others at Mayo Clinic, the congregation of St. John’s, and the unwavering support of family and close friends, especially Marilyn Metzger. The family thanks Harley for being a kind, patient, loving and devoted husband to Jayne.
A memorial service will be at 11am on Monday, February 1, 2016 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 130 W. Eldorado St. in Decatur with Father Swan officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am-11 am prior to the church service. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in memory of Jayne to St. John’s Episcopal Church.
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