Brenda Sue Hicks Hand

Brenda Sue Hicks Hand, an example of warmth and generosity, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2024, at Noland Hospital in Dothan, Alabama, following a brief battle with an acute illness. She was born on July 7, 1961, in Chattahoochee, Florida, Brenda was the cherished daughter of Edward Ross and Luzelle Martin Hicks.
Brenda's early years were spent in the nurturing community of Shady Grove in Jackson County. Her life was deeply rooted in the values and traditions of her hometown, and she carried that sense of belonging throughout her life. A proud graduate of Sneads High School, Class of 1979, Brenda's love for her community was evident in everything she did.
Her career was as notable as her personal life, with Brenda dedicating many years to McDaniels IGA in Sneads, where she was a familiar and friendly face to all who shopped there. In 1988, Brenda embarked on a career with the Florida Department of Corrections at Liberty Correctional Institution. Her commitment and hard work were recognized when she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1992. Brenda retired from Corrections in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and compassion.
Brenda's interests were as diverse as they were passionate. She was an excellent cook and baker, known especially for her delicious cakes. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Brenda's adventurous spirit shone through in her love for motorcycle riding. Alongside her husband, Leslie, she spent over two decades on the open road, participating in benefit rides and earning the affectionate nickname "Sunshine" from fellow riders and coworkers for her ever-present smile and positive attitude.
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and Brenda was a dedicated member of the Sneads First United Methodist Church. She served on various committees and was the go-to person for organizing church events. Brenda's caring nature extended to visiting nursing homes and offering companionship to the elderly in her church community.
Brenda was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 42 years, Leslie Ernest Hand, her parents, her in-laws Sidney Ryals Hand and Bernice Hewett Hand Burch, her brothers Roy Baker, Jerry Hicks, and Larry Hicks, her brothers-in-law John Stone and Harold Branch, her sister-in-law Terry Hicks, and her special companions Reggie and Ralph.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness. Her memory will be cherished by her son, Eddie Hand, and his wife Tayna of Crawfordville, Florida; her grandsons Gage, Joe, and Easton Hand; and her granddaughter, Taylyn Hand, all of Crawfordville. Brenda is also survived by her brother Wayne Hicks and his wife Donna of Grand Ridge, Florida; her sisters Alberta Stone and Judy Branch of Grand Ridge; her brother-in-law Lester Hand and his wife Katie of Wildwood, Missouri; her sisters-in-law Ruth Baker of Interlachen, Florida, Marie Hand Carullo and her husband Sal of Sebastian, Florida, and Martha Hand Barfield of Melbourne, Florida. Her best friend Selisa Bennett and her husband Joe of Sneads, Florida, and her special companion, Riley, will also hold her dear in their hearts. Brenda's extended family includes numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, friends, and her church family, all of whom will miss her deeply.
The Sneads High School Class of 1979 will serve as honorary pallbearers, a testament to the lasting bonds Brenda formed during her school years. The family will welcome friends at McAlpin Funeral Home in Sneads, Florida on Friday, November 08, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Central Time. Funeral Services will be held at the Sneads First United Methodist Church in Sneads, Florida, on Saturday, November 09, 2024 beginning at 10:00 AM Central Time with Dr. Juno Douglas officiating. Brenda will be laid to rest at Shady Grove Cemetery in Grand Ridge, Florida, where the natural beauty of the place will surround her, she always called home. Brenda's life was a journey of joy, service, and love, and her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Brenda's family will welcome flowers; however, in lieu of flowers, they ask that you consider donating to Sneads First United Methodist Church in Brenda's memory.