Mother and daughter killed
By SHERRY DIGMON
News Publisher
It’s almost impossible to fathom – a mother and daughter killed together in an accident.
Valerie Hicks, 66, and Charity Hicks, 30, died in a three-vehicle accident Thursday, January 23, on Highway 97 in Escambia County, Florida.
Valerie Hicks was a teacher at Temple Christian Academy in Atmore. Charity was a realtor with Flynn Built Homes in Atmore. Charity had also taught at Temple Christian Academy until she became a realtor six years ago. Both were residents of Molino.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol report, three vehicles were involved in the accident – a pickup truck driven by a 27-year-old male of Cantonment, Fla. (vehicle 1); the car driven by Charity with Valerie as her passenger (vehicle 2); and a pick-up truck driven by a 54-year-old male of Milton, Fla. (vehicle 3).
The state trooper’s narrative on the report is as follows:
“On 01/23/25 at approximately 1:00 PM I was dispatched to State Road 97 in McDavid for a multi vehicle crash with entrapment.
“Vehicle 1 was traveling southbound on State Road 97 just south of County Road 99. The driver failed to maintain his lane of travel and collided with 2 vehicles traveling northbound. Driver and passenger of vehicle 2 were pronounced deceased on the scene. Vehicle 3 was struck by vehicle 1 after it collided with vehicle 2.”
The following was posted on the Temple Christian Academy Facebook page: “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our colleague and friend, Mrs. Valerie Hicks, who passed away on Thursday, January 23rd. Valerie and her daughter Charity were killed in a car accident. Mrs. Hicks was so loved by all of her students, parents and teacher friends. Charity was a teacher at Temple before becoming a realtor. Both ladies will be missed and forever in our hearts. They were perfect examples of love, kindness, faith and hope. We mourn their death today but look forward to the day we meet them again in heaven. Both ladies lived a beautiful life that deserves to be beautifully remembered. Please pray for her husband and all family members at this critical time.”
The following was posted on the Flynn Built Homes Facebook page: It is with heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved friend and colleague, Realtor Charity Hicks, who tragically lost her life alongside her mother in a devastating car accident.
“Charity was a remarkable soul – a force of nature whose boundless kindness, love, and generosity touched everyone she met. She was an extraordinary achiever, always bringing her radiant smile and vibrant energy to every room she entered. Charity’s light was truly one of a kind, and her memory will forever shine in our hearts.
“We ask for your thoughts and prayers for her family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Valerie and Charity were the wife and daughter of Pastor Ed Hicks, Lighthouse Baptist Church, Molino, Fla.