First Lady Ida Ree Hickson

Well done, good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things."

On January 26, 2025, surrounded by her family First Lady Ida Ree departed for her heavenly home!

First Lady Hickson was born in Olanta, South Carolina on May 21, 1941, to the late Martha Taylor McElveen and the late Woodrow McElveen. She was among the eldest born to this union. In addition to her parents, the loved ones who preceded her in death is her loving husband of 52 years Elder Shelly Hickson. Her siblings, a sister Lizzie (Larry) McFadden, brothers Gene (Jeanette) McElveen and Tommy McElveen.

As a child she accepted Christ as her personal savior and joined St. Mark A.M.E Church in Olanta S.C. Under the pastoral leadership of her late husband Elder Shelly Hickson, she later joined Union Hill Freewill Baptist Church, of Turbeville, SC. Along side her husband she served as First Lady of Good Will Freewill Baptist Church in Manning S.C. and True Worship Baptist Church of Scranton S.C. She later supported and believed in her husband's dream and together they built and pastored his very own church, True Worship Baptist Church in Scranton S.C. As First Lady, she was an impressive dresser and provided strong support to her husband, church members, and member of her community.

At an early age First Lady Hickson first job encompassed caring for her younger siblings. She later went on to work domestically for Mrs. Whittaker, Lynn and Coneal Owen's and Dr. Bruce (the founder of Bruce Hospital) and Dr. Johnny Bruce ) All of whom she built a very close relationship with and considered her family. As time progressed she worked side by side with her husband as a farmer and mobile entrepreneur serving numerous at the Pee Dee State Farmers Market in Florence SC.

Ida Ree leave to cherish her precious memories: Her loving and devoted daughters, Sharon Hickson of Olanta S.C. and Sheila Mckenzie of Olanta S.C.; three loving brothers Lenear (Josie) McElveen, Woodrow ( Mary) McElveen, and Kenneth (Diane) McElveen all of Lynchburg, SC. one loving brother in law Phil Hickson of Scranton S.C.; one loving sister in law Delores McElveen of Olanta, SC! Four beautiful grandchildren Tecory Hickson of Darlington S.C., Monea Hickson of Charlotte N.C., Koron Woods and Jamari Mckenzie both of Olanta S.C. and an adoring great grandson Kanye McFadden also of Darlington S.C. one aunt Emma Hickson of Scranton S.C., her fury companion Heather (who she truly adored ),special thanks to Katie McFadden who served as her Caregiver, a host nieces, nephews, relatives and many church members and friends.