Elizabeth Rebecca ‘Becky’ Hicks Cloninger

Elizabeth Rebecca “Becky” Hicks Cloninger, 98, of Newton, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019, at Abernethy Laurels.  

Born Aug. 31, 1921, in Decatur, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Arthur Hicks Sr. and Sarah Juliette Skelton Hicks.

She is preceded in death by brother, Thomas Arthur Hicks Jr.; husband, Col. Adrian S. Cloninger; and brother-in-law, Frank Cloninger. Those left to cherish her memory are nephews, Tom Hicks, Jim Hicks, Steve Cloninger, Bruce Cloninger, Jerry Cloninger; niece, Linda Baird; beloved godson, George Haymans; and cousin, Dr. Charles “Red” Skelton.

She grew up in Decatur, where she graduated from high school.  She attended North Georgia College in Dahlonega, and graduated from Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C.

She joined the Red Cross during World War II and worked in Miami, Fla., helping military personnel returning from Europe.  Her business career included working for Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, and IPG Advertising in New York, N.Y.  

She married Adrian Cloninger Dec. 15, 1973, in Atlanta, and they enjoyed 41 years together.  Immediately following their marriage, she moved to Pakistan where Adrian worked for the Department of Defense. In 1977, they returned to the United States and moved to Augusta, where they called home for 35 years.  One of Becky’s favorite times of the year was Spring in Augusta.  The azaleas and dogwoods were in bloom and it was the week of the Masters Golf Tournament.  She went all out hosting dinner parties and providing accommodations and tickets for family and friends.

Becky’s favorite place was her and Adrian’s home in Ellijay. It was a beautiful mountain retreat where the pace of life was slow and more relaxed for two people who loved to travel and stay on the go.  

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Maiden, N.C.

Through the years, she always stayed in touch with family and friends by personal visits, by phone or written cards.  She enjoyed a long and happy life and will be missed by those who knew her as aunt, godmother and friend.

A celebration of life service was held at First United Methodist Church in Maiden, N.C., at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, with the Rev. Rob Hutchinson officiating.  

Burial  followed  at Maiden City Cemetery. 

Condolences can be made at www.willisreynoldsfh.com.

Memorial contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church, c/o Flossie Cloninger Scholarship Fund, 303 North Main Avenue, Maiden, NC  28650.

Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home & Crematory in Newton, N.C., was in charge of arrangements.