Velma Smith Freeman Hicks

Velma Smith Freeman Hicks passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2006.

Born Dec. 29, 1917, in the New Liberty Community of Calhoun County, she graduated from Berry College, where she attended both high school and college. While there, she worked in the personal home of Martha Berry, the founder of the school. She was married to the late Paul A. Freeman of Altoona for more than 30 years and later to Earl Hicks of Susan Moore. She was an educator and spent more than 20 years at West End/Walnut Grove School teaching various subjects. She was active in First Baptist Church of Altoona, serving as music director, and she led group Bible studies. After moving to Trussville, she was active in the First Baptist Church there before joining her son's family at First United Methodist Church. She will always be remembered as a person who cared for others.

She is survived by her daughter, Paula Freeman Strickland (Lanier); son, Jef Freeman (Regina); stepson, Bill Hicks (Becky); grandchildren, Erin Strickland, Brad Strickland, Joe Freeman, John Freeman, Rebecca Freeman, Michelle Correia, Jon Hicks and Leigh Hawkins; and five great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, July 28, at Ridout's Trussville Chapel with the Rev. Bill Hicks officiating. Burial will follow at 4 p.m. in Walnut Grove/Altoona Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday.

Rideout's Trussville Chapel, (205)655-2173, is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guestbook at www.dothaneagle.com.