Obituary of Lorene Nichols Hicks

Lorene Nichols Hicks

December 30, 1927- August 19, 2023

Lorene Nichols Hicks, age 95, passed away on August 19, 2023 at Westminster Palms Health Care Center in St. Petersburg, Florida. Lorene was born in Moneta, Virginia and graduated from high school there. She then attended National Business College in Roanoke, Virginia. After graduation, she was hired by Appalachian Power Company as an executive secretary.

In 1950, she married James C. Hicks. They lived in Virginia until 1965, when the Hicks family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. Lorene began a career in the financial securities business, first as an assistant, then as a broker, selling municipal bonds. She retired in 1993 and traveled the world.

Lorene’s love of travel was immense. She kept journals of her trips, which she read and reread in later years. An abbreviated list of her travel destinations includes Germany, France, England, Switzerland, Spain, Norway, Japan, and Australia, as well as many U. S. locations.

Lorene volunteered at the St. Petersburg Historical Society and the Museum of Fine Arts. She regularly attended services at St. Petersburg First United Methodist Church and participated in numerous church activities.

Lorene was an avid bridge player and hosted games at her home for many years. She enjoyed a glass of wine in the evening and visits with family and friends. She was the last remaining member in the Hicks/Nichols family of The Greatest Generation.

Lorene is survived by three daughters: Kaye (David), Kimberly, and Deidre (David), and her son’s partner, Robert, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband and her son, Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to St. Petersburg First United Methodist Church for those who wish, in memory of Lorene. A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, September 21st, at 9:30 am at Westminster Palms in St. Petersburg, Florida.