Barbara Jean Hicks

Barbara Jean (Warf) Hicks, 82, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on October 11, 2025. She was born in Middlesboro, KY to James and Mary Warf.

Barb was raised in Cincinnati, where she also spent her later years. In between, she made a home in Stearns, McCreary County, Kentucky, where she raised her family and built lasting memories.

Barb was fiercely devoted to her two daughters, Teresa Lynch and the late Gina Hicks. More than just mother and daughters, they were best friends, and inseparable through every joy and hardship.

A proud grandmother and great-grandmother, Barb poured her heart into her family. She made a place for good times spent at the pool, by the lake, camping, or fishing and always surrounded by care and happiness. Her grandchildren knew they were cherished, and her presence left a lasting imprint on their lives.

She was married to her beloved husband, Jim Hicks, for 41 years. She was by his side in life as in his death. Together, they were the heart of the family. They were the best at making holidays special, offering strength in difficult times, and creating a home filled with laughter, love, and deep devotion.

Barb valued friendship, and no distance nor time could dull her connections. Known for long chats and phone conversations, she kept her friends close through decades and miles - they remained connected as they aged and passed.

A hard worker, Barb spent years at Alfred Kidd’s Car Lot in Stearns and later at the McCreary County Public Library. Her dedication and spirit left a mark wherever she went.

Barb is survived by many who adored her, including her grandchildren: Misty (Patrick) Shepherd of Somerset, KY; James Taylor of Pine Knot, KY; Barbara Garland of Nancy, KY; Scotty Barnett of Whitley City, KY; Christopher Lynch of Bellevue, KY; and Cassie Hicks of Bellevue, KY. She is a great and great-grandmother. She cherished her great grand babies: Kaylee, Allison, Matthew, Luke, Preston, Hayleigh, Austin, Amelia; and great greats - Harlow, Shep, Willow, and Patrick, Jr.

She also remained close to her beloved brothers and sisters - Carl Warf, Wanda Paul, Caddy Marquis, Larry Warf, and the late Henry Warf; all of whom she loved dearly.

Barb’s memory and spirit will continue to live on in all who knew her.

Graveside services will be held at 2pm on Thursday October 16, 2025 at McCreary Gardens in Whitley City, KY. Friends and family are warmly invited to attend.

Obituary courtesy of McCreary County Funeral Home.