Sharyn Janell Hicks

With deep sorrow, we share that SHARYN JANELL (SMITH) HICKS, 77, a native of her beloved Charleston, WV, and current resident of Olympia, WA, passed away peacefully with her family beside her on November 4th, 2025.
Sharyn was preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Ernest Smith and Nellie (Tyler) Smith Bennett, as well as her brother, David Smith, and sister, Karen (Smith) Wells.
Sharyn is survived by her children daughter Michele Barber, husband Mike, and son Gregory Cote; daughters Janell Hicks, husband Tye, and Jaime Hicks Allen; and granddaughter Ashley Allen. She is also survived by her brother, Larry Smith, wife Marcy, and sister, Dawn Smith, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and her vast network of friends made and cherished over a lifetime.
Born on June 5th, 1948, in Charleston, West Virginia, Sharyn graduated from Charleston High School and was recruited into a specialty FBI program in fingerprint biometrics. This training afforded her a lifelong career in law enforcement, working for the FBI, LAPD, Washington State Patrol, and West Virginia State Police.
Sharyn was actively involved in her community as a member of the Lions Club, Sweet Adelines, volunteering at polling places, and assisting at the South Charleston Community Center. Her favorite community activity was joyfully donning the role of Mrs. Claus, bringing Christmas cheer to children in Charleston and Olympia alike a tradition that perfectly captured her generous spirit and love for community. She also taught Sunday school, children's church, and ran her own business hosting lively events for children on weekends. Sharyn had a deep love for children and enjoyed seeing them smile and have fun.
In all her endeavors, she dedicated much of her time and limited finances to helping others and giving back to her community. She purchased clothing for children in need, donated to nursing homes, and supported animal rescues. Sharyn had a heart of gold, caring deeply for those less fortunate. She embodied the southern spirit of giving the shirt off your back and God's message to love thy neighbor.
With her vivacious spirit, warm smile, and contagious laughter, she made friends easily and touched the hearts of many. A true lover of nature and all God's creatures, Sharyn's green thumb was reflected in her beautiful gardens, her care for the birds and squirrels she fed daily, and in her kind-hearted rescuing of countless stray cats and dogs.
She will be remembered for her steadfast faith in God, her boundless generosity toward people, animals, and her unwavering resilience through life's challenges. She lived a life filled with love, compassion, and devotion to her family, friends, and beloved pets.
A service will be held on December 20, 2025, from Noon to 2 p.m. Eastern Time at Saint Mark's United Methodist Church, 900 Washington Street East, Charleston, West Virginia. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Sharyn's remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Society in support of the Fix Charleston spay and neuter clinic honoring Sharyn's lifelong love and advocacy for animals.
Sharyn Janell (Smith) Hicks will be deeply missed, yet her light and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.