Heaven's garden has gained another flower.  Mrs. Jo Ricks, 86, of Caledonia, MS, went home to be with her Lord on October 22, 2023, when she passed away at Generations of Vernon, in Vernon, Alabama.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Caledonia United Pentecostal Church in Caledonia, MS.  The service will follow at 2:00 PM with Bro. Grant Mitchell officiating.  Interment will be at Vaughn Cemetery in Caledonia, MS with Lowndes Funeral Home directing.

Mrs. Ricks was born March 1, 1937 to Andy and Elsie Hardin in Vina, AL.  She loved her family.  One of her favorite times was at Christmas at her house, hosting up to 60 family members.  She loved working in her yard.  Her daylilies were her passion.  She was a past member of the MS/AL Daylily Club hosting club events in her yard.  She loved showing her yard to visitors.  Two of her granddaughters were married in her beautiful yard. She loved antiques.  Her husband, Bob Ricks, worked by her side for years restoring and selling furniture.  Mrs. Ricks loved her church and church family.  She loved the Lord and had read her Bible through 23 times.  Heaven has gained a Saint.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Ricks is preceded in death by her husband – Bob Ricks; sister – Jean McAfee; son-in-law – Phillip Merideth; step-daughter – Mary Helen Harris; and step-grandchild – Jon Owens.

Mrs. Ricks is survived by her children – William Benjy (Dottie) Jones, Brenda (Melton) Knight, and Linda Merideth; step-children, whom she loved as her own – Carol (David) McDougald, Freda (Darren) Seago, Lisa Ricks, Earline "Runt" (Pete) Tourdot, and James (Brenda) Ricks; 12 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Jones, Jason Knight, Terry Hartle, Chris Horton, Derek Ballard, Kyle Foley, Cameron Jones, and Evan Ballard.

The family would like to thank the staff of Amedisys Hospice and Generations of Vernon Nursing Home for their loving care.