Ms. Mittie Pearl Hicks Hedrick, age 100, passed away peacefully at home on March 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 27, 1924, in Hartford, Geneva County, Alabama, where she grew up on her family’s farm. Life on the farm was challenging but deeply fulfilling for Mittie. Her father never used a tractor—only two mules—and she carried the values of hard work and perseverance throughout her life.
Mittie married James Patton Hedrick and together they raised their children on a farm. She dedicated many years to home healthcare, working both in private care and in Holmes County. At her 100th birthday celebration, she fondly reflected on her life, recalling a cousin's words: “If God were to ask me where to place heaven, I’d say right here in Bonifay.” Mittie wholeheartedly agreed.
Faith was the cornerstone of Mittie’s life. She often shared her belief that “one of the best things in life is to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, love your neighbors, and go to church.”. As a young girl, she frequently walked several miles to church, admiring the beauty of nature along the way. Her advice to younger generations was simple but profound: obey your parents and work hard. As she put it, “Hard work is what made me who I am.” She was a devoted member of West Bonifay Baptist Church.
Mittie was preceded in death by her parents, Lee Justice Hicks and Bessie Adell Smith Hicks; her husband, James Patton Hedrick Sr.; her daughter, Lisa Renita Hedrick; her son and daughter-in-law, James Patton Hedrick Jr. and Jeri Hedrick; her daughter-in-law, Vanessa June Hedrick; her granddaughter, Elonia Henson; and her siblings, Roy Hicks, Margaret Cross, Billy Hicks, and Sarah Bechtol.
She is survived by her children, Kita Meyer (Bill) of Jacksonville, FL, and Larry Hedrick of Bonifay, FL; her sisters, Martha Hicks of Bonifay, FL, Clara Revelle of St. Louis, MO, and Sybil Webster of Sebring, FL; her grandchildren, James Patton Hedrick III and Jennifer Nichole Hedrick; her great-grandchildren, Nicholas Hedrick, Landyn Thesier, Natalie Thesier, Samuel Hedrick, and Samantha Henson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at West Bonifay Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Al Leach and Don Smith. Interment will follow at Bethlehem Community Church Cemetery under the direction of Peel Funeral Home and Bonifay Crematory. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday at Peel Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the American Bible Society (www.americanbible.org) or the American Cancer Society (www.donate.cancer.org) in memory of Mittie.