Kimberly Kaye Hicks' Obituary
Kimberly Kaye Hicks (née Taylor), a beloved resident of Decatur, IL, passed away on June 9th, 2023 at DMH, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on August 5th, 1969, in Decatur, IL. Kimberly was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many through her compassion, dedication, and love for her family, animals, and community.
Kimberly was married to her husband Douglas for 25 years. Throughout her life, Kimberly found fulfillment in her career and made a lasting impact through her work at Heritage Behavioral Health Center for 28 years. She also contributed her talents to the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater and The Dance Centre, where her daughters (and occasionally she herself) took dance classes.
One of Kimberly's greatest passions was her love for her family. She cherished her role as a mother and encouraged her daughters in their pursuits, whether it be signing them up for dance, zoo programs, or many sports programs over the years. She also took on a role as a Sunday school teacher at St. John’s Lutheran Church and, in addition, served as a dedicated scorekeeper for numerous LSA girls’ teams. This role brought her joy and connected her to her high school years as a sports team manager as well as an athlete.
Kimberly was a woman of many talents and hobbies. She had a passion for crocheting, creating many blankets and various other pieces for family, friends, and new family additions over the years. Her love for sports and statistics began at Argenta-Oreana High School, where she graduated in 1987. Kimberly loved animals and going to amusement parks with her family. She always went out of her way to help those who needed a hand.
Kimberly was predeceased by her step-father, Larry E. Dietz, her aunt, Nina Minton, and niece, Holly Taylor.
Kimberly's legacy lives on through the love and memories she leaves behind. She is survived by her mother, Juanita Dietz of Decatur; her husband of 25 years, Douglas Hicks of Decatur; her daughters, Keera-Mae Taylor of Chicago, IL, and Sarah Hicks of Carbondale, IL; her brothers, Kevin Taylor of Taylors, SC, and Jerry Taylor of Temple, TX; her parents-in-law Gary and Diane Hicks of Oreana, IL; sister-in-law Sonya Lancaster of Mt. Zion, IL; her brother-in-law Chris Hicks of Oreana, IL; as well as her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom she loved spending time with, checking in on, and watching them grow as they started their careers, travels, hobbies, and own families.
Kimbery’s family would also like to thank the Cancer Care Center of Decatur and her team of doctors for all of their hard work and for always advocating for Kimberly over the past few years.
The funeral service will take place Saturday, July 1, 2023, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Decatur, IL, starting with a visitation at 9 am followed by the service at 10:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, Kimberly had requested that donations be made to organizations that were dear to her heart:
LSA Decatur (now Unity Christian) Girl's Volleyball team
Furball Farm Cat Sanctuary in Faribault, MN (https://furballfarmpetsanctuary.com/about-us)
St. John’s Lutheran Church in Decatur, IL.
Kimberly will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her legacy of love, compassion, and dedication will continue to be an inspiration to those who knew her.
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