Iris Mary Hicks Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

In Loving Memory: Iris Mary Hicks (1944-2022) Iris Mary Hicks, 78, of Fort Mill, S.C., passed away peacefully in the presence of family and friends on June 23, 2022, after a courageous six-month battle with Lewy body dementia. Born on April 2, 1944, Iris was adopted by loving parents Adam and Adele Schimanski of Chicago, Ill. She had one older brother, Bill Schimanski. A self-made woman remembered for her independent spirit and kindness, Iris worked as a beautician in Chicago and met her first husband, Hubert Hicks, in 1973. They were married later that year and moved shortly thereafter to St. Petersburg, Fla., where Iris spent the next quarter-century helping operate a successful, family-run lighting and chemical supply company and raising a family of four. After losing her first husband to cancer, Iris relocated to Charlotte, N.C., where she met her second husband, Hugh Gaylord. Iris and Hugh were married in 2015 and shared their golden years together traveling the world. Throughout her life, Iris was a beloved wife, devoted mother, caring friend and devout Christian. She loved her family unconditionally and touched countless lives through her gentle spirit. Iris is survived by her husband Hugh Gaylord and two daughters Debra Schimanski (Dale Birkhead) and Michelle Hicks (Michael Mazur). A service for friends and family will be held on Saturday, July 9, at 10 a.m. at the St. Philip Neri Catholic Church at 292 Munn Road East, Fort Mill, S.C., 29715. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

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Iris Mary Hicks

April 2, 1944 - June 23, 2022