Wilma Jean Hicks Shearer

Wilma Jean Hicks Shearer ("Jean"), beloved daughter, wife, mother, and nurse, passed away warm in her bed surrounded by her loving family on July 21, 2025.

Born on August 21, 1937, in LaFollette, Tennessee, she was the cherished daughter of Robert McClure Hicks and Gracie Shoffner Hicks.

Jean grew up alongside her younger sister, Glenda Faye Ruff. Her early years in LaFollette instilled in her a deep sense of religion that would define her life's work.

Jean answered a higher calling straight out of high school and became a dedicated nurse, devoting 58 years to her career in providing excellent care to countless patients. She would go on to work with the American Heart Association in establishing cardiac centers throughout the southeast. Her unwavering spirit and professional excellence endeared her to colleagues and families alike, leaving a lasting imprint on her chosen profession.

In her personal life, Jean was married three times. She first wed Joe Henson with whom she enjoyed her first daughter with. She was then married to David Hicks, with whom she enjoyed a son. She would find love later on in life in Chester Gene Shearer with whom she would share one daughter.

Jean was a proud grandmother and great-grandmother to three grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Jean spent her last few professional years volunteering at various hospitals in Knoxville before relocating to Florida where she would spend her golden years eating seafood by the beach and playing bingo.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Gracie Hicks, her sisters Blanche Marie Hicks and Glenda Faye Ruff, and her beloved son, J.R. "Bobby" Hicks.

Jean is survived by her children Sandra LaFever and Michelle Hubbs (Lance); special granddaughters Tricia Kyser and Micah Hubbs, and grandson Rick Ward and great-grandchildren Ty Kyser, Kya Kyser, and Lexi Ward. Numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends will miss her as well.

A celebration of Jean's life will be held at Walter's Funeral Home in LaFollette, Tennessee on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 4pm-5pm. A private family interment ceremony at the graveside will follow at The Kitts Cemetery located near Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in LaFollette, Tennessee.

Jean's memory will serve as a testimony for all who knew her and she will be forever remembered in our hearts.

Walters Funeral Home of LaFollette is honored to be serving the family of Wilma Jean Hicks Shearer.