Jo Ann Smith Hicks

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jo Ann Smith Hicks. Jo Ann passed away at the age of 87, at her home on September 3rd, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on September 2nd, 1939, in Winston-Salem, to the late Lloyd and Alma Smith. After graduating from high school, Jo Ann worked as an Executive Secretary for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for over 30 years.

Jo Ann married the love of her life; the late Mr. Delma Gray Hicks and they were married for 67 years. Together, they raised three children: Jeffrey Hicks, Richard Dale Hicks, and Keith Hicks. Jo Ann especially loved her role as “Nana” to her two grandchildren and to her two great grandchildren.

To know Jo Ann was to know true southern hospitality. Her family and friends remember her delicious chocolate pies that were always the first to go at the Moose Lodge Cake Walk and her Chicken Stew that was served to hundreds of people over the years at Delma’s famous Chicken Stew parties in Clemmons, NC.

While she was good at feeding people, she never forgot about her dogs. Jo Ann always had a miniature dachshund in her home, and if you’ve ever gone out to eat with her, you’ve watched her ask for a takeout box to bring the leftovers back home to her doggies.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in passing by her brother, Jerry Smith.  

Jo Ann will be dearly missed by her three sons, Jeffrey Hicks, Richard Dale Hicks, and Keith Hicks (Wendy); two grandchildren, Austin Hicks and Taylor Walden (Nick); and two great-grandchildren, Lydia Walden and Ivy Walden. She also leaves behind her two beloved miniature dachshunds, Cocoa and Suzy.

Together, we will celebrate Jo Ann’s life and legacy at 10:00am on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel with Rev. Rennie Adcock officiating. There will be no formal visitation held. A burial will follow the service at Westlawn Gardens of Memory.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Betsy English for all the care provided to Jo Ann during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is serving the family.