Melissa Dawn Hicks

Melissa D. Farmer Hicks, 27, of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord Thursday, December 21, 2006.

Melissa grew up in Kingsport and attended Sullivan North High School. She joined the Army National Guard in July 2002. Melissa was a joy to be around, because she enjoyed life and the time spent with family and friends. SPC Melissa D. Hicks served proudly in both the South Carolina and the Tennessee Army National Guards for over four years. She was selected to represent the Tennessee Military Funeral Honors Program and Always conducted herself in a professional manner. Her caring demeanor was a comfort to families in their time of need. She was admired and respected by all to whom she served with and will be greatly missed.

Surviving are her husband, Jerry L. Hicks, Jr. of Charleston, South Carolina; father and stepmother, William "Bunny" Farmer and Shelia Farmer of Kingsport; her mother, Debbie Fulks of Arizona; one stepson, Brandon Dale Hicks of Charleston, South Carolina; Several brothers and sisters, Shane Farmer of Tucson, Arizona, Tommy Fulks, Jame Fulks, and Stephanie Fulks, all of Detroit, Michigan, Trish Cradic, and husband, Donnie of Rogersville, TN, and Michael Lawson of Kingsport, TN; her grandmother, Lona Jones of Kingsport; and several aunts and uncles.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport.

Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Sunday with Rev. J.W. Depew officiating.

Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park with military rites conducted by the Tennessee Army National Guard.