A beloved member of the Vinita community, Jolene Melton Hicks, passed away on February 16, 2024. Her 88 years of life were characterised by her vibrant spirit, love for family, and culinary talents. The community said its goodbyes to Jolene Melton Hicks. The purpose of this expanded tribute is to honour Jolene’s legacy by reflecting on her early life, her professional journey, and the cherished moments she shared with her family and community.
Early Life and Education
Jolene Melton Hicks’s journey began in a small town that would later witness her remarkable impact on those around her. She was born on May 29, 1935, in Dearing, Kansas, to parents named William Clell and Dorothy Dean (Pennell) Melton. Following her graduation from Vinita High School in 1953, Jolene is now working as an educator at the Northeast Oklahoma Community Action HeadStart School. Her dedication to education was the driving force behind her decision to pursue this career path.
Journey in the Professional World and Passion for Cooking
Beyond the confines of the classroom, Jolene’s commitment encompassed her passion for the kitchen as well as her desire to look after other people. Jolene took great pleasure in preparing meals, singing while she cooked, and infusing each dish with a sense of warmth and joy. Her culinary skills became a defining characteristic of family get-togethers. The annual black-eyed peas meal that she prepared for her family on New Year’s Day was a treasured family tradition that reflected her love for her loved ones as well as her Southern roots. Her dedication to tradition was evident in this meal.
The Family’s Matriarch and Leader
Jolene was the matriarch of her family, and she played a pivotal role in the family. Her nurturing nature, her love for her grandchildren, and the joy she found in getting together with her family all contributed to the formation of a connection that will last for many generations. The impact of Jolene’s kindness and warmth was felt not only by her immediate family but also by her nieces, nephews, and a large group of friends who were influenced by her.
Religion and Participation in the Community
Jolene was a completely devoted member of Cowboy Junction Church, which was the place where her religious beliefs played a significant part in her life. Through prayer, she was able to find solace, and she was also able to openly share her faith. She frequently prayed for the protection, guidance, and the blood of Christ to be over her loved ones. Her unwavering faith in the efficacy of prayer was evident even while she was in the hospital, where she prayed alongside the medical staff who were caring for her and witnessed the presence of God through their prayers.
Passions and Pastimes
In addition to her expertise in the kitchen and her commitment to her family and her faith, Jolene was enthusiastic about a wide range of hobbies and interests. From her passion for walking, which she would sometimes cover a few miles at a time, to her enjoyment of reading cookbooks from cover to cover, experimenting with new recipes, and drinking diet coke from her cherished Shout and Sack mug that was over thirty years old, Jolene’s life was full of a variety of interests and simple pleasures.
Final Farewell and Celebration of Life
It has been decided that the memorial service for Jolene will take place at the Burckhalter-Highsmith Chapel in Vinita on the 21st of February, 2024, at twelve o’clock in the afternoon. The funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Kevin McGlasson, who will offer consolation and direction to the community as they pay their respects to a remarkable woman who had an impact on the lives of many people. Jolene Melton Hicks’s family would like to extend an invitation to all of their friends and well-wishers to join them in commemorating and joyfully celebrating her life.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Love, Faith, and Culinary Delight
At the same time that the community of Vinita is grieving the loss of Jolene Melton Hicks, they are also celebrating the enduring legacy of a woman whose life was characterised by love, faith, and the joy that she found in the pleasures of culinary exploration.
The impact that she had on her family, friends, and the community is evidence of a life that was lived to the fullest, one that was characterised by warmth, compassion, and a willingness to create memories that will last a lifetime. The memory of Jolene should continue to be a source of solace and motivation for those who are left behind. May she rest in peace.
