Jacqueline “Jackie” Ann Wicks, 1968

Spring 2021 (May 13, 2021)

Jacqueline “Jackie” Ann Wicks
Jacqueline “Jackie” Ann Wicks

Jacqueline “Jackie” Ann Wicks, 74, of Morris, Ill., passed away March 16, 2021, at Regency Care of Morris.

Born July 31, 1946, in Ottawa, she was the daughter of Archie Wicks and Ruby (Ward) Wicks Gibbs. Raised in Morris, she graduated from Morris Community High School with the class of 1964, then got her B.A. at Luther College where she met her four lifelong closest friends. Jackie received her Master’s Degree at UCONN. Back in Morris, Jackie took over her mother and step-father, Cecil Gibbs management of Self-Locking’s lunch counter.

She then pursued a career in radio in the Florida Keys, becoming the news director, sales manager and talk show host while teaching humanities at Florida Keys Community College in evenings. She was also president of Marathon Community Theatre, directing several plays and producing “Florida Keys Renaissance Faire” for seven years. Then became manager of Central Illinois March of Dimes in Springfield. Later, she retired from AT&T and moved back to Morris.

Preceded in death by her parents, step-father, brother, Jerry Wicks and honorary grandson, Christian Lehman.

Jacqueline is survived by Marilyn L. Johnson and honorary family, Casey (Nancy) Johnson, Shane (Claudette) Johnson, honorary grandchildren, Tyler (Nicole) and Alexis, Madalyn, Woody and Seconcea Johnson, Aron Fritz and a host of cousins and friends.

A memorial service was held on April 10, 2021, at the Lisbon Cemetery on Lisbon Road with Pastor Patrick Lohse officiating.

Jackie wanted to be remembered with a smile, for the good times.

Fruland Funeral Home, 121 W. Jefferson St. in Morris is in charge of arrangements.