Hicks, Judith Anne Hooker
September 27, 1940 – February 28, 2025
Soon after being born to Dorothy Moody Hooker and John Albert Hooker in Gary, Indiana, Judy
and her parents moved to Gadsden. Judy continually pestered her parents for piano and organ
lessons and at age nine received her dream to study piano, which began a life-long devotion to
music and music education. When she was only 13 years old, she became the pianist for Trinity
Lutheran Church and faithfully played week in and week out for 60 years. Hymns remained
Judy's favorite music throughout her life.
After graduating from Gadsden High School, Judy attended Valparaiso University in Indiana,
Gadsden Business College, Jacksonville State University, and Gadsden State Community
College where she studied organ playing with George McSpadden. While volunteering each
week with her pastor to teach music at Eura Brown Elementary School, her pastor asked her to
teach his daughter to play the piano; this led to a 44-year career of music education. Although
her vision began to deteriorate in her 50's, she continued teaching. Several outstanding students
went on to become music teachers themselves.
While serving various roles and offices in the Gadsden Music Club, she determinedly
campaigned, until successful, for musical instruction throughout the Gadsden City School
system. She joined the Alabama Federation of Music Clubs where she served one term as
president and she judged students at yearly music festivals. Judy was a Life-Member of the
National Federation of Music Clubs, and she was a Certified Teacher of Piano by the National
Music Teachers Association.
Judy especially enjoyed membership in the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, serving
many terms as president and as delegate to the annual conventions. She also found her
membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution to be quite rewarding.
Judy was blessed with 61 years of marriage to Robert Earl Hicks, who proceeded her in death.
Her sons are both of Gadsden: John Robert Hicks (Ramona) and Charles David Hicks (Jodie).
Also surviving Judy are seven grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and brother John Charles
Hooker.
Judy was beloved and her passion, fastidiousness, and attention to detail will be sorely missed.
The family is thankful to the staff at McGuffey Health and Rehab as well as Gentiva Hospice for
their loving care.
Services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 8, at 3pm.Visitation will be
at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Trinity Lutheran Church – 1885 Rainbow Drive,
Gadsden, AL 35901, Etowah County Lions Eye Clinic - 95 Heritage Drive, Springville, AL
35146, or your charity of choice