Marlene Hicks

Marlene Rice Hicks, age 78, of Belton, SC, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born March 4, 1947, in Anderson, SC, she was the daughter of the late Carvest Rice and Gennette Ashley Rice. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Vann Roberts.

Marlene was a graduate of Belton High School Class of 1965 and a former Miss Belton. She retired from the personnel office at AnMed Health after 36 years of faithful service. She was currently employed with Anderson County in the Annex Building, which she loved. She had a great working relationship with her boss and coworkers and enjoyed going to work each day. She also volunteered as a Guardian ad Litem and with Foothills Alliance.

Marlene loved spending time with her social group, affectionately calling themselves "The Fat Friends." She was an avid Elvis fan having heard him in concert and visiting Graceland. She was the greatest supporter of her children when they were involved in rodeo and of her grandchildren's events including baseball games, football games, and cheer competitions.

She was a faithful member of The Church of Anderson where she enjoyed participating in the women's ministry and serving in the nursery.

She is survived by her son, Jay Hicks (Rhonda); daughter, Mikell Barnette (Wally); sister, Janet Smalley; grandchildren, Langdon Welch (Cody), Sion Barnette (Nat), Ri Barnette (Sam), Kasey Launchbaugh (Amy), Cade Hicks (Alli), Carleigh Hicks (Ty), and Carsyn Hicks (Kyle); great grandchildren, J.B., Hallie, Blakely, Stokes, and Harper. Other survivors include John Garrett (Marti) and their son Shane.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 3:00 pm at The Church of Anderson with Pastor Jonathan Boggs officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations may be made to Guardian ad Litem, 2804 E. North Ave., Anderson, SC 29621, First Light (formerly Foothills Alliance), 216 E. Calhoun St., Anderson, SC 29621, or The Church of Anderson, 1201 River Heights Circle, Anderson, SC 29621.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM.