Jane Burns Hicks

Born on September 13, 1941 in Hickory, N.C., Jane was the daughter of Mary Ruth Webb and Charles William Burns.

After graduating from Converse College where she majored in Religion, Jane taught school in Richmond, Virginia. There, she met and later married James Miley Hicks of Hartsville, S.C., and the two settled in Greenville, S.C.

Intelligent, funny, and full of love and life, Jane was a devoted wife and mother to three girls, a loyal friend, and an active member of the community, volunteering through the Junior League of Greenville, United Ministries, and later, Greenville Women’s Giving. In 1988 Jane joined the staff of Christ Church Episcopal as Director of New Member Ministries. For the next 17 years, through her strong faith and effortless ability to make everyone feel welcome, Jane helped countless visitors find a home within the church community.

At five feet tall, Jane was petite but fierce on the tennis courts as well as the bridge table, and she navigated all of life’s challenges with formidable strength and grace, never losing her sense of humor. She loved books and dancing. She had a flair for fashion and was a wonderful cook. She approached everything in life with the utmost care and intention, and her love was unconditional.

In 2012, Jane married Douglas Aldridge Smith. Like Jane, Doug was full of life and love for others, and between the two of them, it was almost impossible to go anywhere without being stopped for hugs and conversation.

Jane is survived by her three daughters; Elizabeth Hicks Connaughton Jordan and her husband Ben of Greenville, Catherine Hicks Roberts of Greenville, and Mary Kinsey Hicks Hyche of Arden, N.C.; grandchildren, Kevin James Connaughton, Miley Stuart Roberts, Mary Blakeslee Roberts, Harper Drew Hyche, and Burns Pearson Hyche. She cherished her relationships with Doug’s children and their families as well. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, James Miley Hicks, in 2010 and by Douglas Aldridge Smith in 2022.

The funeral service will be held Monday, November 27 at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Church Episcopal, 10 N. Church Street, Greenville, S.C. 29601. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Church Episcopal or to the charity of one's choice.

The family invites friends to a reception at the Cafe and Then Some (101 College Street, Greenville, S.C. 29601) following the service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Hicks family.