Affectionately known to her loved ones as "Sissy," passed away peacefully, surrounded by those she loved, on February 27.

She was the beloved daughter of Furman Richard Hicks and Joy Huff Hicks. She was preceded in death by her parents; her treasured brother-in-law, Dwane Kirkland; and a niece she loved as a daughter, Toni Kirkland Day.

She cherished her upbringing in the close-knit community of the Olympia Mill village, where her roots were firmly planted and where she maintained a lifetime of pride and lasting friendships.

Joy leaves behind her devoted daughter, Meredith English (Scotty Epperson); her deeply cherished granddaughters, Gabby Fallin and AvaJoy Epperson; her sisters, Merrie Kirkland(Dwane), Dawn Callahan (Jimmy), Patti Rosenfeld (David); and her brother, Richard "Bubba" Hicks (Angie); as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She is also survived by John English, her former and only spouse. Though their marriage ended, their bond never ceased. They remained partners in friendship and love, and he remained her lifelong protector.

She was blessed with a large and protective village of family who surrounded her with love, strength, and unwavering support throughout her entire life.

She shared a special bond with each of them, rooted in loyalty, and enduring love.

Joy had a magnetic and beautiful soul, along with a sense of style admired by many. She possessed a presence that lit up every room she entered — effortlessly and unforgettable. Beneath that striking exterior was an artistic spirit that not everyone had the privilege of fully knowing. She expressed her creativity in countless ways, from her love of gardening and flowers to her appreciation for R&B and soul music, which often served as the soundtrack to her life.

Joy was not only incredibly talented but also deeply intelligent. She knew a lot about most things — a rare and remarkable quality — and carried her knowledge with confidence. Her sharp mind was matched by her quick wit; she was genuinely funny, with a sense of humor that could brighten even the most difficult days.

She was brave, feisty, resilient, and fiercely protective of the people she loved. She stood strong in the face of challenges and never hesitated to defend or uplift those closest to her. Her strength was matched only by her loyalty and her boundless heart.

Joy was the kind of woman who could create an entire outfit from scratch, beautifully decorate a home with elegance and warmth, or write a complete dissertation on the fly, and use her investigative skills for good with the knowledge given to her from her Daddy. In fact, she was often called "Police woman". Yet she was equally capable of repairing a car, skillfully using power tools, or even moving heavy furniture on her own without hesitation. She also had a love for cooking, a passion she proudly passed on to her oldest Granddaughter, Gabby.
There seemed to be nothing she couldn't do.

Joy's talents were vast, her spirit unmatched, her intelligence extraordinary, and her humor unforgettable. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, creativity, brilliance, laughter, and style that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Her greatest legacy remains in her beloved daughter and granddaughters. She devoted her life to them — they were her heart and her world.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved and remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to South Carolina C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) or Serve & Connect in honor of Joy.

Donations made in Joy's memory will help continue the important work of supporting law enforcement families and strengthening community relationships.