Ruth Pauline Hicks Davis, age 99, of Lavonia, passed away Monday, October 2, 2023 at her home.

She was born May 14, 1924, in Hart County, the daughter of the late Fred and Minnie Cash Hicks. She graduated from Lavonia High School and retired from the United States Postal Service, where she worked as a postal clerk at the Lavonia Post Office. She was proud to be the longest member of the Lavonia First Baptist Church, having joined at the age of 12 and was a member of the Margaret Burrell Sunday School Class. Her dedication and commitment to the church was beyond measure. Mrs. Davis was active in the community, having been a board member of the Lavonia Housing Authority for more than 28 years, and served as a member of the Lavonia Garden Club, Lavonia Woman's Club, Franklin County Historical Society, Lavonia & Franklin County Chambers of Commerce, and the Fun Travel Club. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband: Howard Davis; her infant daughter: great nephew: Kevin Garrison; and cousin: Harriet Hicks Snyder.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews: Sue Lovelady, Bebe Noriega, Fred (Terry) Hicks, Lynn (Arthur) Thomas, James (Collete) Clark, William (Sarah) Clark, Susan (Tommy) Evans, Joan Blakely (Lamar) London, Jill (Beth) Blakely, Jarrett Blakely, and Tim (Joy) McCollum; cousins: Jerry (Sandra) Hicks, William (Maureen) Hicks, Julius Hicks Jr., and Tom (Patsy) Hicks; several great nieces; and many friends. Special thanks to her caregivers: Debbie Elrod and her daughter Angel.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at the Lavonia First Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Finger and Rev. Chris Chitwood officiating. A private burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church Tuesday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the service. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Lavonia First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 47, Lavonia, GA 30553. Mrs. Davis will lie in state on Monday, at the funeral home, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. for those not able to attend the funeral service on Tuesday.

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest, register please visit stricklandfh.com.