Phyllis Estelle Kohn Smith Hicks

May 10, 1941 – September 11, 2026

Phyllis Estelle Kohn Smith Hicks was born on May 10, 1941, in Jacksonville, Florida. She was the youngest of six children of Conover and Everlena Kohn. She departed this life on September 11, 2026, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, service, and song.

Phyllis was educated in Jacksonville and graduated from Stanton High School in 1961. With a heart for helping children and a passion for education, she later attended Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida, where she studied special education. She dedicated much of her professional life to serving children and families through the Duval County School Board. After 27 years of faithful and dedicated service, Phyllis retired in 2006.

At the center of Phyllis’s life was her unwavering faith in God. She was a lifelong member of Greater Zion Grove Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as choir director and deaconess. Her love for God could be heard in her voice and witnessed through the way she lived her life.

Phyllis lived a life filled with singing, praise, and worship. Music was not simply something she enjoyed—it was an important part of who she was. Throughout the years, she shared her God-given gift of song as a member of the Gospel Echoes and the Byrd Singers. Whether directing the choir, singing with others, or offering a song of praise, Phyllis used her voice to glorify God and uplift those around her.

Family held a special place in Phyllis’s heart. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and a treasured presence in the lives of her extended family and friends. Her life was a testament to faith, family, perseverance, and service to others.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Conover Kohn and Everlena Samuels Kohn; her brothers, Edward Kohn, Calvin Kohn, Moses Kohn, and John Kohn; her sister Barbara Williams; her first husband, Robert Smith, who passed away in 1970; her beloved husband of 38 years, Jimmie P. Hicks; and her son, Michel R. Smith.

She leaves to cherish her memory her three daughters, Marco Hicks-Brown, Mecca Hicks-Jackson (Andrey), and Magan Hicks-Barlow (Christopher); her daughter-in-law, Cynthia Smith; her goddaughter, Shelia Byrd; 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; her closest friends affectionately known as “The Golden Girls”; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends.

Although her earthly voice has grown quiet, the songs she sang, the faith she demonstrated, the children she served, and the love she gave to her family will continue to echo in the lives of all those she touched.

Phyllis Estelle Kohn Smith Hicks lived her life singing praises to God, serving others, and loving her family. Her beautiful legacy of faith and song will live on through the generations who were blessed to know and love her.

“I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.” — Psalm 104:33

Mrs. Kohn may be viewed on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Greater Zion Grove Baptist Church, 6317 118th Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32244, from 5:00 p.m. Until 7:00 p.m. Committal Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32218.

Carthage Chapel Funeral Home, Inc., 929 West Beaver Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204